Cynosure of all eyes: this group from Japan aims to go big at Chennai Book Fair

Mayuko Kataoka promotes 'Happy Science' teachings through manga at Chennai Book Fair, aiming to spread Japanese philosophy.

Clad in a Japanese Kimono, Mayuko Kataoka juggles between posing for pictures and explaining to customers the rich tradition and teachings of ‘Happy Science’ – a group founded by Ryuho Okawa that purportedly propagates philosophical teachings.

Along with three others, who are also adorned in traditional Japanese attire, Mayu, as she calls herself, has set her priorities straight at this year’s Chennai Book Fair – to vigorously market the ‘Kinben’ (diligence), a manga-styled comic that narrates the story of Japanese philosopher Sontoku Ninomiya.

“Ninomiya, who lived more than 200 years ago, possesses the spirit of prosperity and grit. By reading this manga, one can also understand the Japanese mindset that helped rebuild the country after the [second world] war,” says Ms. Mayu.

“We know [the book] ‘Ikigai’ is famous in India. ‘Kinben’ has been a huge hit in Japan, and we want to emulate its success here as well,” she adds.

The stall, also named ‘Happy Science’, has been the cynosure of all eyes. The group had set up a stall at the previous book fair as well, and is looking to take the teachings of Okawa to the masses. “This is the first day. It has been busy, and a lot of people have come to see us. The sales have been decent,” says Ms. Mayu.

The group had set up an office in Chennai in September, and has bases in other cities as well. Satoshi Shimoto, who manages the Gurgaon base, says, “The primary goal is to ensure that people find happiness, through the teachings of Okawa. Last year, some of the books were sold out. We aspire to go big this time as well.”

Among the other prominent books at the stall are ‘Laws of the Sun’, and ‘Think Big’, for which a Tamil translation is available.