The organization’s founder, Japanese philosopher, Mokichi Okada (1882-1955), was an artist and survivor of the severe tuberculosis epidemic which swept his country during the 1930’s (Light From the East, MOA Publications, 1992). While suffering disease, and experiencing the treatment sanitariums, medications and nutritional prescriptions that were available during his time, he experienced little relief. These treatments, which were modeled after the diet and Western medication regimes made popular in Germany, emphasized the use of pharmaceutical medications, total rest, and a diet emphasizing meat proteins. The agriculture methods of Japan were also influenced by the applications of chemical pesticides and fertilizers of Europe, in an effort to increase the crop yield for the war effort.
The mission of MOA (Mokichi Okada Association) is to work towards the elimination of disease, poverty and conflict based on advanced practices in the fields of medicine, agriculture and arts which integrate the fundamental principle of living in harmony with Nature, and fostering individuals and households whose thoughts, words and deeds can resonate with truth, virtue and beauty.