At its heart, Tenrikyo’s administrative tapestry weaves together a clear chain of care from the local neighborhood all the way up to headquarters in Tenri, Japan. At the very top sits the Shinbashira—both spiritual guide and corporate steward—supported by the Tenrikyo Church Headquarters (Honbu). Within Honbu, departments for Missionary Work, Education, Public Relations and others coordinate everything from theological training to global outreach strategies.

Moving down a tier, each of Japan’s 47 prefectures hosts a regional office (Daimonbu). These hubs supervise dozens of branch churches, offering guidance to local ministers on shrine upkeep, service schedules and community programs. On the ground, every branch church is run by a resident minister plus a team of volunteer believers who handle day-to-day worship services, charity drives and the traditional kagura dances. Together, they keep the joy flowing in neighborhoods from Tokyo’s bustle to the rice paddies of rural Nara.

Overseas operations mirror this model. An Overseas Department at Honbu sets policy, resources and training materials, while national mission centers—from North America’s Tenrikyo Mission Center in New York to Europe’s hub in London—oversee clusters of local congregations. In recent years, digital platforms introduced during the pandemic have become permanent fixtures, allowing worship services and intercontinental conferences to stream live to believers in Africa, South America and beyond.

Whether it’s a Sunday service in São Paulo or a dance rehearsal in Seoul, every local community pulls together, beat to the same drum: spreading the message of joyous living and divine parenthood. This balance of centralized support and grassroots participation makes Tenrikyo’s worldwide family feel both tightly knit and wonderfully diverse.