Greetings from the director general
We are a global organization known as the Hongmen (天地会長房青蓮堂). We are a mutual support society also known as Chinese Freemasons or, recently in Japan, as Asian Freemasons. Then Hongmen stand alongside Kiwanis, the Rotary Club and the Lions Club as one of the world’s four largest international mutual support societies. We are also a charitable organization recognized as such by international law in 20003. This huge organization was previously a secret society but it is now gradually revealing itself.
We want to be seen in Japan, Asia and the world as a whole as a presence that can be trusted in all circumstances to unswervingly support the planet. .
I believe that until now our organization was a global “brand” that was not visible to ordinary folk. We can be seen as a “key” that can open many types of doors around the world. Our members fit into normal society even as they continually self-educate themselves in order to increase their abilities. From the infinite past to the present our resilient and powerful organization has been based on “Gi,” which can be translated as virtue or justice.
Unfortunately some not very nice things have been said about us. That is because we were originally a revolutionary organization. It is true that during the Qing dynasty we fought the government in order to restore rule to the Han people. During that time the powers that be portrayed us as a cruel gangster type of organization. That reputation still lingers to some extent.
There has also been a lot of lurid embellishment of our history that has left the impression we are an organization of hoodlums. It is true that, in historical times, some of our members took an evil path when they got power. However, such people were a tiny minority and their evil deeds have been, as is often the case with such things, wildly exaggerated.
We are a band of brothers united by a single cause. We are united by what is called Chiaki loyalty(忠義千秋) by the Chinese, Bushido by the Japanese and Chivalry in the West. There are all essentially identical.
We wish to share mutual blessings, prosperity and creation with all religions, societies, factions, parties and countries in the world based on the principles of world peace and equality between peoples. We do not wish confrontation. However, if there is an attack on these principles and a peaceful resolution is not possible, we will cut off relations.
As human beings from the planet earth we must ask each other how we can mutually contribute to the creation of a truly cosmopolitan “one world.” We are looking for people who are interested in using educational or voluntary activities to make Japan, Asia and the world a better place.
The Japanese branch sincerely aims to be an organization that is trusted by everyone and can live up to their expectations in the fields of society, economy and of course world peace.
Sincerely yours,
Akimine Kobayashi,
Director General, Japan branch of the international Hongmen.
Membership requirements
We act as a group rather than individually so we like to create groups of equals. The small power of individuals become great power when they assemble into a group. We aim to grow together and polish our society’s abilities by interacting and exchanging information.
Asian Freemasons (Hongmen) accept as members those who follow the way of heaven believe all men are created equal. We do not judge people by whether or not we like them but accept all who come to us.
However, there are certain requirements that must be met so people who join remain as associate members for a certain period after joining.
なお、We do not accept people who are badly behaved, have psychological problems, have a criminal record, are selfish, are greedy, who break laws, are anti-social or who use the Hongmen name for criminal purposes.
Any members who commit a crime, or act against the principles of the society after joining will be immediately expelled no matter what their title or how high their status is. If such acts are committed members will be expelled according to the society’s internal rules.
A person’s moral character is the basis we use in deciding whether or not to open the gates of the Hongmen to them. People who are accepted by us remain “family” members of the Hongmen for life.
If people sincerely wish to get rid of unnecessary wars, conflicts and disparitiest they must combine their forces and remain united.
We Hongmen Asian Freemasons aim for a united planet earth (one world) based on the principles of sharing, living in harmony, mutual help, universal love, economic development, honesty and social unity based on the principle of equality of people.
The Hongmen spirit of loyalty becomes a major force aiming for peace. We Hongmen strive for world peace.
Here are some requirements for membership in the Japanese branch of the Hongmen.
① Must be an adult male or female at least 18 years old
② Must be gainfully employed
③ Must be a person of integrity
④ Must look out for his comrades
⑤ Must have personal strengths
⑥ Must join of their own free will
Our society is based on the principle that heaven and earth will show us the way. Upon entering the society members will go through a stately ceremony where they will swear upon an altar to support the unity of religions and look upon a borderless one world as if looking down from heaven (the universe) above.
Our society respects the individual religions, political stances and activities of our members but it goes without saying that as an international organization we remain neutral.
Our members are comprised of many races, many nations and many religions and avoid all prejudices in a spirit of brotherly love. We aim for a one world based on the principles of sharing, living in harmony, mutual help, universal love, economic development, honesty and social unity premised on equality of people.
We seek members (brothers and sisters) who in the spirit of chivalry, integrity and piety will work together for the sake of Japan’s future development. Within our group we will gather factions and individuals who get on well with each other to work in a spirit of friendly competition to make Japan and Asia healthy and part of a one world in peace and harmony. That is our stated goal.