Nichiren Buddhism is a Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism established by the monk Nichiren (1222–1282), during the Kamakura period. It is characterized by an exclusive focus on the Lotus Sutra, regarded as the supreme and final teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha and the only valid path to enlightenment in the present age, often described as the Latter Day of the Law (mappō). Within this tradition, the Lotus Sutra is understood to reveal that all beings possess inherent Buddha-nature and that enlightenment is available “in this lifetime, in this body,” regardless of social status or background. This conviction gives rise to a strong emphasis on the inherent dignity and potential for awakening in every person.

At the heart of Nichiren Buddhist practice is faith in the Lotus Sutra, expressed through chanting the daimoku, “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo,” often translated as “devotion to the Mystic Law of the Lotus Sutra.” This phrase is understood to embody the essence of the sutra and to directly activate one’s inherent Buddhahood, transforming suffering and karma in the midst of ordinary life. Practitioners typically chant before the Gohonzon, a sacred mandala inscribed with the daimoku and key elements of the Lotus Sutra, which functions as an object of devotion symbolizing the enlightened life-condition and the Dharma realm. Alongside chanting, there is a strong stress on study of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren’s writings, as well as efforts to share these teachings with others.

Faith, practice, and study are thus woven together as a single path of liberation. Through sincere faith in the Lotus Sutra and consistent chanting of “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo,” practitioners aim to manifest wisdom, compassion, and courage, to transform their karma, and to realize Buddhahood in their present form. This path is not conceived as withdrawal from the world, but as a way of creating value and happiness in daily life, and of contributing to the transformation of society in accordance with Buddhist principles. Over time, several major branches have developed—such as Nichiren Shū, Nichiren Shōshū, and lay organizations like Soka Gakkai—each preserving the central focus on the Lotus Sutra and the daimoku while differing in institutional and doctrinal details.