Religious group grows from 10 members to thousands globally

Shinji Shumeikai Hong Kong, the religious group to which the victims belonged, set up in 1960 with just 10 members. It is now a religious institution with 40,000 followers in 14 branches around the world, including 10 branches here.

Also known as HK Shumei, its religious beliefs are said to be derived from Shintoism, but Hong Kong committee member Wu Kwok-kei said yesterday it was a form of Taoism while some followers said it was closer to Buddhism. Parent organisation Shinji Shumeikai (literally the divine love and supreme light organisation) is headquartered in the city of Koka in Japan's Shiga prefecture.

According to the organisation's website, its late founder Mokichi Okada taught that a world free of sickness, poverty and discord was possible through practising Jyorei - a healing, hand-stretching exercise - the appreciation of art and beauty and the practice of 'natural agriculture'.

HK Shumei established its first centre in Mei Foo Sun Chuen, Kowloon, in November 1972, and moved to bigger premises in Playing Field Road, Mong Kok, four years later.

It moved its headquarters to the present location in Chuk Yeung Road, Sai Kung, on November 18, 1992.

Security around the beautifully maintained 200,000 sq ft complex is tight, with surveillance cameras installed at key locations.