Reiki was founded by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 20th century. From its origins as a spiritual practice, it has grown into a global healing tradition practiced by millions. Here is the complete timeline.
1865 — Mikao Usui born
Mikao Usui born 15 August 1865 in Taniai (now Miyama cho), Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
Founder of Reiki; his life and spiritual quest led to the creation of the system.
c. 1914 — Usui's early spiritual practice
Usui completed study and reflection that led to the creation of Reiki, according to some sources.
Marks the beginning of Usui's spiritual journey that would culminate in the Reiki system.
c. 1919 — Usui begins meditation retreat
Usui reportedly started a 3-year meditation retreat in a Zen temple in Kyoto (per some sources).
Period of intensive spiritual practice preceding the Mount Kurama experience.
March 1922 — Mt. Kurama experience
Usui climbed Mount Kurama and undertook 21 days of fasting and meditation (shugyo). On the 21st day he felt great Reiki over his head and attained enlightenment, acquiring the Reiki healing ability.
The foundational event of Reiki; the origin of Usui's healing system and the Reiki energy.
April 1922 — Usui opens training center
Usui opened a training center in Harajuku, Aoyama, Tokyo to teach and practice Reiki.
First formal teaching of Reiki to the public; many people came for treatment and training.
1922 — Founding of Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai
Usui founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Method Learning Society) to disseminate Reiki teachings.
The original Reiki organization; continues to exist in Japan and preserves traditional practices.
September 1923 — Great Kanto Earthquake
The Great Kanto Earthquake devastated Tokyo. Usui brought Reiki to treat the injured, earning great recognition.
Greatly expanded Usui's reputation and student base; Reiki became more widely known throughout Japan.
1925 — Hayashi becomes student
Chujiro Hayashi, a retired naval officer and medical doctor, became one of Usui's students and was trained to Shinpiden (Master) level.
Hayashi formalized Reiki into a structured healing system; pivotal figure in the lineage to the West.
9 March 1926 — Usui's death
Usui died on 9 March 1926 in Fukuyama of a stroke at age 60. He was buried at Saihoji Temple in Tokyo.
End of Usui's life; leadership of the Gakkai passed to Mr. Ushida; Reiki continued through his students.
c. 1925-1930 — Hayashi opens Reiki clinic
Hayashi opened a Reiki clinic and school called Hayashi Reiki Kenkyu Kai in Tokyo, separate from the Gakkai.
Hayashi developed standardized hand positions, a new attunement method, and a treatment guide; systematized Reiki as a healing therapy.
1935 — Takata meets Hayashi
Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American from Hawaii, traveled to Japan and began treatment at Hayashi's clinic for health issues.
Beginning of Takata's Reiki journey; she would later bring Reiki to the Western world.
Spring 1936 — Takata receives First Degree
Takata received First Degree (Shoden) Reiki from Hayashi, followed by a year of internship.
Takata's formal Reiki training begins; she spent a year working at Hayashi's clinic.
1937 — Takata returns to Hawaii
Takata returned to Hawaii; Hayashi followed with his daughter to help establish her Reiki practice.
Reiki begins its spread outside Japan; Hayashi traveled to Hawaii for 6 months.
February 1938 — Takata certified as Master
Hayashi Sensei certified Takata as a Master (Shinpiden) of Reiki in February 1938.
Takata becomes a Reiki Master; she is the last student certified by Hayashi; begins teaching in the West.
1940 — Hayashi's death
Chujiro Hayashi died in 1940. Before his death, he recognized Takata as his successor in Reiki.
Hayashi's lineage passes to Takata; she becomes the sole carrier of the Hayashi lineage to the West.
1938-1980 — Takata teaches Reiki in the West
Takata practiced and taught Reiki in the United States, simplifying the system for Western minds. She trained 22 Reiki Masters before her death.
Reiki spread throughout the Western world; Takata's 22 Masters became the seeds of global Reiki practice.
December 1980 — Takata's death
Hawayo Takata died in December 1980.
End of Takata's teaching; her 22 Masters continued the lineage; Reiki diversified into many independent lineages.
1985 — Reiki Alliance formed
The Reiki Alliance was formed, led by Phyllis Lei Furumoto (Takata's granddaughter). The 'Blue Book' was written by Furumoto and Paul David Mitchell.
Formal organization to preserve Takata's lineage; Furumoto designated as 'lineage bearer'.
c. 1990s — Japanese Reiki rediscovered
Western Reiki researchers (Frank Arjava Petter, William Lee Rand, etc.) traveled to Japan and reconnected with Japanese Reiki traditions including the Gakkai.
Bridge between Western and Japanese Reiki; recovery of traditional techniques (Byosen, Hatsurei-ho, Gokai original text).
2014 — Holy Fire Reiki developed
William Lee Rand and the ICRT developed Holy Fire Reiki, using 'Placements' and 'Ignitions' instead of traditional attunements.
A significant modern innovation in Reiki; Holy Fire is now widely taught by the ICRT.
2020s — Reiki in healthcare and research
Reiki increasingly studied as a complementary therapy; meta-analyses show positive effects on pain, anxiety, and quality of life. Offered in some hospitals.
Growing scientific interest and integration of Reiki into complementary healthcare settings.