Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (Society for the Promotion of Buddhism, hereafter BDK) was established as an incorporated foundation in December, 1965 by the late Rev. Dr. Yehan Numata (1897-1994), the founder of Mitutoyo Corporation, and his Dharma friends. With revisions to the legal classifications for organizations approved by the Japanese government in 2008, BDK was reclassified and is now recognized as a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation by the Japanese government as of April 1, 2013.

BDK’s mission is to contribute the advancement and improvement of human welfare and world peace by promoting the Buddhist essences of compassion, interconnectedness, culture and research that are the foundation of Japanese culture. BDK desires to provide a modern interpretation of the Buddha’s teaching and to create a more compassionate humanity through its global educational programs, and working towards contributing to the advancement of modern society. In order to achieve these purposes, BDK is actively involved in the following:

1) Creating and compiling a contemporary understanding of the Buddha’s teachings and providing foreign-language translations of various Buddhist texts and their dissemination.
2) Providing financial assistance and organizing a commendation award program to recognize outstanding individuals involved in promoting the Buddhist spirit, culture and studies.
3) Support education programs which advance the Buddhist spirit and culture and its study.
4) Provide physical facilities to conduct programs for the advancement of Buddhist culture.
5) Other projects as needed and developed to support the mission of this organization.

Along with the above projects, BDK develops and supports various activities both domestically and internationally such as: a) Translation, publication and world-wide distribution of The Teaching of Buddha book, b) Translation and publication of an English edition of the Chinese Tripitaka, c) sponsoring a BDK Buddhist Missionary Seminar and other Buddhist-related lectures and seminars, d) Academic Post-Doctorate Fellowship program, e) Financial assistance for organizations which advance the essence of the Buddhist spirit and cultural projects, and f) Modernization of Buddhist music and its popularization.