What is the Practical Ethics Association?

Since its establishment in Hiroshima, where the aftermath of the atomic bombing still lingered, many members have learned the know-how to make both themselves and others happy, improved their lives, and created countless happy families. Currently, we hold morning meetings every morning at about 1,000 venues throughout Japan, as well as round-table discussions, study sessions, lectures, spring and fall conferences, and many other activities.

Name: General Incorporated Association, The Practical Ethics Association
Head Office: 1-14-1 Kudan-kita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0073, Japan
Tel 03-3264-8211 (main)
Established: May 3, 1946
Representative: Tetsuji Uehiro
Number of branches: 292
Number of venues: 868

What is Practical Ethics?

Practical Ethics is the most certain path that anyone can follow in order to realize a bright and happy life. To put it simply, it is a path to achieve family harmony.

In the seventy years since the end of World War II, our society has undergone a major transformation from one that lacks food, clothing, and shelter, to one that is overflowing with goods. However, no matter how much society changes, the one thing that people have always wanted is to have a happy and contented family.

A bright and happy family can only be built on each family member's appreciation for each other and the roles they play in the family. You cannot build a happiness for yourself alone at the expense of others. When each member of the family practices ethics and knows the joy of doing so, "Family Love and Harmony" and the "Happiness of Ourselves and Others" will be realized.

In other words, when you take pleasure in practicing ethics, you realize the well-being of those around you, which in turn makes you even happier. And it is a truth that can be applied not only to the family, but to all of human society. Therefore, it can be said that happiness is inherent in the practice itself to realize the "Happiness of Ourselves and Others."

Practical Ethics, which defines human happiness in this way, is a universal value that remains unchanged even in today's society, where lives are diversified and individualism is widespread.

Brochures

You can view brochures about the Practical Ethics Association in PDF format.

History

  • Showa 20's
    August 6, 1945

    Hiroshima is destroyed by an atomic bomb, and Tetsuhiko Uehiro, the founder and chairman of the association, is exposed to atomic radiation -- this marks the beginning of the movement to spread Practical Ethics.
  • May 3, 1946

    The first chairman founds the Kosei-kai in Hiroshima.
  • September 18

    The first morning meeting is held at Komatsu Tenmangu Shrine in Ishikawa Prefecture. Thereafter, morning meetings are held in various locations.
  • May 1951

    First issue of the monthly bulletin Kosei is published.
  • May 1953

    The name of the association is changed to "Incorporated Association, The Practical Ethics Association."
  • October 1954

    "Brighter Life" is published by the first chairman (thereafter, books are published in succession).
  • Showa 30's
    August 1955

    10th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima is held at Komatsu City Gymnasium.
  • May 1957

    Inauguration of the first ethics hall: Kanazawa Student Hall.
  • March 1960

    Inauguration of the Hiroshima Ethics Hall
  • October

    First issue of “Youth and Ethics,” a monthly journal for young people.
  • October 1961

    Inaguration of the Nagano Ethics Hall.
  • December

    Inauguration of the Kichijoji Ethics Hall (formerly the Head Office Building) in Kichijoji, Musashino City, Tokyo.
  • February 1962

    Inaguration of the Dojima Ethics Hall
  • January 1963

    The first issue of "Rinri Kosei Shimbun" is published.
  • October

    Inauguration of the Fukui Ethics Hall.
  • November 1964

    Inauguration of the Maruoka Ethics Hall.
    Inauguration of the Kanazawa Ethics Hall.
  • Showa 40's
    November 1965

    Chairman Tetsuhiko Uehiro receives a Medal with Blue Ribbon from the Ministry of Education, the first instance as a social education organization.
    Inauguration of the Toyama Ethics Hall.
  • April 1966

    Inauguration of the Namekawa Ethics Hall.
  • December

    Inauguration of the Takaoka Ethics Hall
  • August 1967

    Youth Division held its first nationwide training session at Koyasan Henshoko-in Temple.
  • November

    Inauguration of the Tenma Ethics Hall.
  • October 1968

    Inauguration of the Tsushimi Ethics Hall.
  • June 1969

    Inauguration of the Shinjuku Ethics Hall.
  • April 1970

    Inauguration of the Komatsu Ethics Hall.
  • May

    Inauguration of the Practical Ethics Memorial Hall, a training facility, in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture.成
  • December 1971

    Inauguration of the Asagaya Ethics Hall.
  • September 1972

    Inauguration of the Head Office Building in Kudan, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
  • October

    Tetsuhiko Uehiro, the first chairman, passes away (posthumously receives the Junior Fourth Rank, Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon).
    Eiji Uehiro, executive director, becomes the second chairman.
    Head Office functions are relocated.
  • May 1974

    Chairman Eiji Uehiro publishes “Keisho” (thereafter, he publishes books in succession).
  • November

    Inauguration of the Okayama Practical Ethics Hall.
  • Showa 50's
    September 1975

    Inauguration of the Itami Practical Ethics Hall.
  • September 1977

    Inauguration of the Uozu Practical Ethics Hall.
    Inauguration of the Matto Practical Ethics Hall.
  • March 1978

    Inauguration of the Kyoto Practical Ethics Hall.
  • June

    Inauguration of the Horikawa Practical Ethics Hall.
  • August 1979

    Women's Youth Division holds the first nationwide training session at the Practical Ethics Memorial Hall.
  • November 1980

    Women's Division holds its first national executive training session at the Practical Ethics Memorial Hall.
    Inauguration of the Gifu Practical Ethics Hall.
  • August 1981

    Middle-Age Division holds the first nationwide training session at the Practical Ethics Memorial Hall.
  • March 1982

    Inauguration of the Fukuoka Practical Ethics Hall.
  • July

    Inauguration of the Nagoya Practical Ethics Hall.
  • October 1984

    Monument to commemorate the birthplace of the morning meetings is erected at Komatsu Tenmangu Shrine in Ishikawa Prefecture.
  • Showa 60's
    April 1988

    Inauguration of the Hirosaki Practical Ethics Hall.
  • Heisei Era
    January 1990

    Inauguration of the Otsu Practical Ethics Hall.
  • July

    Inauguration of the Hakui Practical Ethics Hall.
  • November 1992

    Inauguration of the Tokorozawa Practical Ethics Hall.
  • May 1993

    Chairman Eiji Uehiro receives the Medal with Blue Ribbon.
  • January 1996

    Inauguration of the renovated Head Office Building.
  • June

    First issue of the new monthly bulletin “Rimpuu” replaces the bulletins “Kosei” and “Youth and Ethics.”
  • Heisei 10's
    October 1999

    Inauguration of the Toyohashi Practical Ethics Hall.
  • November

    Inauguration of the Kagoshima Practical Ethics Hall.
  • July 2000

    Training facility the “Practical Ethics Memorial Hall” is renamed the “Practical Ethics Association Training Hall” and newly renovated.
    Monument dedicated to Ethics Practitioners is erected.
  • July 2001

    Inauguration of the Kanazawa Jonan Practical Ethics Hall.
  • May 2006

    60th anniversary commemorative ceremony is held at the Nippon Budokan with guests from various fields, including the prime minister of Japan.
  • Heisei 20's
    November 2010

    The trilogy of Practical Ethics Courses “Under the Providence of the Great Nature,” “Towards a Better Society” and “Shine Your Life” is completed.
  • May 2011

    65th anniversary commemorative ceremony is held at the Nippon Budokan.
  • June

    Inauguration of the Sendai Practical Ethics Hall.
  • April 2014

    The association name is changed to the Practical Ethics Association (General Incorporated Association) in accordance with the enforcement of the three laws related to the reform of the public interest corporation system.
  • May 2016

    The 70th anniversary ceremony is held at the Nippon Budokan with guests from various fields including the prime minister of Japan.
    “Zoku-Rimpu Zuiso” (“Rimpu Essays, Continued”) is published by chairman Eiji Uehiro.
  • June 2016

    Eiji Uehiro, the second chairman, becomes honorary chairman.
    Tetsuji Uehiro, director, becomes the third chairman.
  • November

    Honorary chairman Eiji Uehiro receives the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.
  • January 2019

    Honorary chairman Eiji Uehiro passes away.
  • January 2020

    Essays written by Eiji Uehiro, the second chairman, for the monthly “Seiryu” over a period of 25 years are compiled and published as “Kokoro no Hint” (Hints for the Heart) volume 1.
  • June

    “Kokoro no Hint” volume 2 is published.