Soka Gakkai is generally regarded as a religion in both scholarly and practical terms. It is a lay Buddhist organization grounded in the teachings of the 13th‑century Japanese monk Nichiren and centered on faith in the Lotus Sutra. Its core practice is the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, often in the context of daily gongyo, together with recitation of portions of the Lotus Sutra. This practice is directed toward the Gohonzon, a sacred scroll that functions as the focal object of devotion. Through these elements, it presents a coherent vision of life, suffering, karma, enlightenment, and the potential for Buddhahood.

Beyond individual practice, Soka Gakkai exhibits the communal and institutional features typically associated with religion. It maintains a formal organizational structure with leadership, local centers, and prescribed modes of participation. Members engage in regular meetings, study of scripture and commentary, and activities that provide ethical guidance and a comprehensive worldview. The movement explicitly identifies itself as a Buddhist organization devoted to peace, culture, and education, while retaining traditional religious elements such as worship, scripture study, and spiritual discipline.

From the perspective of religious studies and legal classification, Soka Gakkai is commonly treated as a new Buddhist religion or new religious movement. It is officially recognized as a religious organization in Japan and in many other countries, rather than being viewed merely as a cultural or philosophical association. While some adherents may emphasize its humanistic or philosophical dimensions, the combination of doctrinal foundation, ritual practice, sacred object, moral framework, and organized community places it firmly within the realm of religion.