Happy Science, a Japanese-based organization, is bringing its latest animated film, Dragon Heart: Adventures Beyond This World, to U.S. theaters on June 6. This release follows the film’s debut in Japan in May 2025 and its earlier showcase at AnimeJapan 2025.
What is Happy Science?
Happy Science, known in Japanese as Kōfuku no Kagaku (幸福の科学), was founded on October 6, 1986, by Ryuho Okawa. Initially called the Institute for Research in Human Happiness, the organization gained official recognition as a religious entity in Japan on March 7, 1991. Happy Science aims “to bring happiness to humanity by spreading truth”.
Beliefs and Teachings
The core teachings of Happy Science revolve around “Exploration of the Right Mind,” “The Fourfold Path,” and the belief in El Cantare. The “Fourfold Path” consists of love that gives, wisdom, self-reflection, and progress, which are considered the Principles of Happiness. Members believe that practicing these principles is essential for achieving happiness. The only requirement to join Happy Science is having “the aspiration and discipline to seek the truth and actively contribute to the realization of love, peace and happiness on Earth”.
Happy Science incorporates a belief in reincarnation, angels, demons, heaven and hell, and even aliens. They worship El Cantare, whom they consider the “Highest God of Earth, the Lord of all gods”. According to Happy Science, El Cantare was first born on Earth 330 million years ago and has appeared throughout history as Elohim, Odin, Thoth, Ophealis (Osiris), Hermes, and Shakyamuni Buddha, with Ryuho Okawa recognized as the current incarnation.
Activities and Structure
Happy Science operates various divisions, including IRH Press (a publication division), Happy Science Academy and Happy Science University (educational institutions), the Happiness Realization Party (a political party), and New Star Production, ARI Production, and HS Pictures Studio (media entertainment divisions). They have locations in Japan and other countries, with worship facilities called Shoja or Shoshinkan. The first overseas branch, “Happiness Science USA,” was established in New York in 1994.
Members engage in daily self-reflection, meditation, and prayer, striving to embody love, enlightenment, and the creation of utopia. They study the teachings of Ryuho Okawa through books, lectures, and seminars, and participate in missionary work and temple visits.
Controversy
Happy Science has faced controversy and is widely regarded as a cult by some. It espouses Japanese nationalism, social conservatism, and xenophobia. Ryuho Okawa’s son, Hiroshi Okawa, left the movement and has become an outspoken critic, calling Happy Science a “cult” and his father’s spiritual channeling sessions “just a performance”.
Dragon Heart: Adventures Beyond This World
Dragon Heart: Adventures Beyond This World is the latest animated film from Happy Science. The late Ryuho Okawa is credited as the executive producer and original creator. Isamu Imakake, known for directing The Mystical Laws, is the director.
Story
The story follows Ryusuke, a junior high school student from Tokyo, who visits his cousin Tomomi in Tokushima during summer vacation. While at the Anabuki River, they are swept away by the current, rescued by a dragon, and taken to a mysterious old man. The old man informs them that they are already dead but can return to life if they explore the spirit world and find their mission in life.
Ryusuke and Tomomi embark on a journey through a gloomy, 1960s-esque town, encountering frightening and terrible events. They witness rogues killing each other and doctors mutilating patients, realizing they are in hell. Their adventure continues into the unknown as they seek to discover their mission in life.
Cast and Staff
The film stars Yūsuke Kobayashi as Ryuusuke and Chinatsu Hirose as Tomomi. Other cast members include Shigeru Chiba, Shunsuke Takeuchi, and Shinichirō Miki. Kouta performs the theme song, “Dragon Heart“.
Themes
Dragon Heart – Adventures Beyond This World explores themes of spiritual cleansing, growing heaven, and shrinking hell. It delves into the spirit world, life after death, and the search for one’s mission in life.
Other Films by Happy Science
Happy Science has produced several animated and live-action films to promote their beliefs. Some of their notable works include:
Anime Films:
- Hermes: Winds of Love (1997)
- The Laws of the Sun (2000)
- The Golden Laws (2003)
- The Laws of Eternity (2006)
- The Rebirth of Buddha (2009)
- The Mystical Laws (2012)
- The Laws of the Universe series (2015–2021)
Live-Action Films:
- Revelations of Nostradamus (1994)
- The Final Judgement (2012)
- Immortal Hero (2019)
- The Real Exorcist (2020)
- Twiceborn (2020)
- The Cherry Bushido (2022)
U.S. Release
Dragon Heart: Adventures Beyond This World will be screened in select U.S. theaters starting June 6, 2025. This presents an opportunity for audiences to experience the latest animated work from Happy Science and explore its spiritual themes.
