BYAKKO SHINKOKAI

   A successful postwar Shinto-related sect (formerly Byakko koseikai) founded by Goi, Masahisa (b.1916) a spiritualist and disciple of Taniguchi, Masaharu, founder of Seicho-no-ie. The sect emphasises the importance of miracles and the role of guardian angels (shugo-rei) and regards Japan as the spiritual centre of the world, from where peace will radiate. It has a special 'white light'-producing ritual prayer for world peace and is responsible for erecting poles across the world inscribed with the words 'may peace prevail on earth'.