This paper explores the magazine Fukyōkai布教界 published by the Bukkyōgakkai of the Ōtani sect of Shin Buddhism. It aims to shed further light on the missionary activities of the Ōtani sect during the Taishō period. It also examines the history behind the publishing of the magazine, as well as its purpose and structure. In addition, it looks at the development of Fukȳokai. The following three points are made clear in this paper.
First, the Bukkyōgakkai’s purpose for starting to publish Fukyōkai was to promote missionary activities through practical learning. This was due to the need to improve Buddhism in line with the advancement of society.
Second, Fukyōkai, published monthly, consisted of “regular issues” and “special issues,” twelve in total. The “regular issues” contained essays and teachings regarding missionary activities, and the “special issues” raised issues particular to the time of publication.
Last, when the ending of the publication of Fukyōkai was announced in the Ōtani sect’s bulletin, it was also announced that preparations for the publication of the Fukyōsōsho布教叢書 book series had begun. The text used for missionary activities would therefore change from magazine to book format.
In this way, the Fukȳokai was an attempt by the Ōtani sect, which was searching for a new way of spreading the teachings, to use magazines in their missionary programs. Later, it developed into a book series, the Fukyōsōsho, and further expanded their missionary activities.
