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.
1865 — Mikao Usui born
Mikao Usui born 15 August 1865 in Taniai (now Miyama cho), Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
c. 1914 — Usui's early spiritual practice
Usui completed study and reflection that led to the creation of Reiki, according to some sources.
c. 1919 — Usui begins meditation retreat
Usui reportedly started a 3-year meditation retreat in a Zen temple in Kyoto (per some sources).
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.
April 1922 — Usui opens training center
Usui opened a training center in Harajuku, Aoyama, Tokyo to teach and practice Reiki.
1922 — Founding of Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai
Usui founded the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai (Usui Reiki Healing Method Learning Society) to disseminate Reiki teachings.
September 1923 — Great Kanto Earthquake
The Great Kanto Earthquake devastated Tokyo. Usui brought Reiki to treat the injured, earning great recognition.
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.
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.
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.
1935 — Takata meets Hayashi
Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American from Hawaii, traveled to Japan and began treatment at Hayashi's clinic for health issues.
Spring 1936 — Takata receives First Degree
Takata received First Degree (Shoden) Reiki from Hayashi, followed by a year of internship.
1937 — Takata returns to Hawaii
Takata returned to Hawaii; Hayashi followed with his daughter to help establish her Reiki practice.
February 1938 — Takata certified as Master
Hayashi Sensei certified Takata as a Master (Shinpiden) of Reiki in February 1938.
1940 — Hayashi's death
Chujiro Hayashi died in 1940. Before his death, he recognized Takata as his successor in Reiki.
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.
December 1980 — Takata's death
Hawayo Takata died in December 1980.
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.
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.
2014 — Holy Fire Reiki developed
William Lee Rand and the ICRT developed Holy Fire Reiki, using 'Placements' and 'Ignitions' instead of traditional attunements.
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.