Sayo Kitamura

was the Japanese founder of the "dancing religion", Tenshō Kōtai Jingūkyō (天照皇大神宮教). In the religion, she is known by her followers as . She was known for her pacifism and anti-militarism during the wake of Japan's World War II surrender.

Early life Kitamura was born on January 1, 1900, in what is now Yanai city, Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan. She was the fourth daughter in a farming family of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhists.

Career In July 1942, a barn on the Kitamura property burned down. Blaming herself for the incident, Kitamura began visiting a shaman. On May 4, 1944, Kitamura was possessed by a spirit, which was later said to be Tensho Kotaijin. She had her first sermon on July 22, 1945, during which she preached she had been sent to save the world, because it was about to end. She said that people should become "true human beings" in order to create a peaceful "land of god", and that Japan's defeat in World War II was just the prelude to a battle between good and evil.

As the religion became more established, she became more critical of politicians, the emperor, and other people in power, calling them "maggots" and "maggot beggars" (蛆の乞食).

In 1952, Kitamura went on a mission trip to Hawaii. Her first overseas branch was in Kalihi, Hawaii. Soon, more branches were formed throughout the world, including in Europe, Africa, and South America. – granddaughter, born Kiyokazu Kitamura (北村清和, April 27, 1950 – June 7, 2006), who succeeded Sayo Kitamura as the second spiritual leader of Tenshō Kōtai Jingūkyō Wakagamisama (若神様) – son, born Yoshito Kitamura (北村義人). His son (i.e., Sayo Kitamura's grandson) is Tsuneo Kitamura (北村経夫, born 1955), currently a politician. Yoshito Kitamura died in 2007. Okugamisama (奥神様) – son's wife Akikazusama (明和様) – current female leader, born Akikazu Kitamura (北村明和, January 9, 1990 –), the daughter of Himegamisama (Kiyokazu Kitamura); third and current spiritual leader of Tenshō Kōtai Jingūkyō