Guide to the Hawayo Takata papers ARC Mss 86
Finding Aid by Beaudry Allen and Ana Gonzalez-Jimenez; revised by Leland Riddlesperger, 2020; latest revision by Campbell
Hannan, 2024.
UC Santa Barbara Library, Department of Special Research Collections
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara 93106-9010
Phone Number: (805) 893-3062
special@library.ucsb.edu
August 2018; 2020
Title: Hawayo Takata papers
Identifier/Call Number: ARC Mss 86
Language of Material: Materials are in English and Japanese.
Contributing Institution:
UC Santa Barbara Library, Department of Special Research Collections
Physical Description:
27.11 Linear Feet
(2 cartons, 8 document boxes, 3 half-size document boxes, 16 flat boxes)
Creator:
Takata, Hawayo Kawamuri, 1900-1980
Date (inclusive): 1935-2011
Date (bulk): 1938-1980
Abstract: The collection includes the personal papers and belongings of Hawayo Takata, Reiki master, as well as material on Reiki practices
throughout the 1930s to 1980s.
Physical Location: Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions
No reproductions permitted for certificates.
Copyright has not been assigned to the Department of Special Research Collections, UCSB. All requests for permission to publish
or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Research Collections. Permission for publication
is given on behalf of the Department of Special Research Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which also must be obtained.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donation, 2017
Preferred Citation
[Identification of Item], Hawayo Takata papers. ARC Mss 86. Department of Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library,
University of California, Santa Barbara.
Biographical Note
In her diary, Hawayo Takata describes Reiki as an "unseen spiritual power that vibrates and all other powers fade into insignificance
beside it." This power or force is believed to be within all of us, but those who study and apply it correctly can use it
to heal. Dr. Mikao Usui introduced Reiki in Japan in 1922. Since that time, Reiki has become a popular alternative to medicine
and a technique for stress reduction and relaxation. Practitioners practice healing mild and chronic, physical or mental ailments
with energy transferred through their hands.
In 1935, when Takata was 35 years old, she suffered from several illnesses and traveled to Japan for care. She entered a hospital
in Tokyo for an operation and while there, she heard about Reiki and decided to try the therapy. While under the care of Reiki
master Chujiro Hayashi for four months, Mrs. Takata recovered. She was so grateful that she asked to be taught the practice
of Reiki. In February 1938, Hayashi Sensei initiated Hawayo Takata as a Reiki Master. She took everything that she had learned
to Hawaii and would go on to train twenty-two masters. During the years of practicing Reiki in Hawaii, she acquired international
and well-known clients, including Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke, and traveled to the United States mainland and other parts
of the world teaching and giving treatments.
Scope and Content
The collection consists of personal belongings, Hawayo Takata's personal writings, publications on Reiki, certificates, correspondence,
and photographs relating to the life of Hawayo Takata and Reiki practices.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into six series: Biographical materials, Correspondence, Certificates, Reiki writings, Photographs,
and Memorabilia and artifacts.
Related Archival Materials
American Religions Collection, ARC Mss 1, Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of California,
Santa Barbara.
Cult Awareness Network (CAN) Collection. ARC Mss 19. Special Research Collections, UC Santa Barbara Library, University of
California, Santa Barbara.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Reiki (Healing system)
Spiritual care (Medical care)
Spiritual healing
Certificates
Correspondence
Photographs
Writings (documents)
Takata, Hawayo Kawamuri, 1900-1980 -- Archives
Series 1. Biographical materials
Scope and Content
Includes Hawayo Takata's personal documents that detail her life, business, and family genealogy. A few of the items are her
own writings. Many materials are translated from japanese and include information about Reiki healing practices and its founder,
Mikao Usui. Of partcular note, the series includes pamphlets and articles providing information on different healing practices
and religions as well as flyers and schedules for various spiritual events.
box 1, folder 3-4
Business papers
1971-1972
box 1, folder 5-6
Scanned financial records and business papers
1946-1979
box 1, folder 8
Memorial service papers
1980 December 11-1984 September 16
box 2, folder 1
Properties business papers
1946-1978
box 2, folder 3
Takata personal papers
1965-1980
Scope and Content
Contains notes, articles, papmhlets, newsletters, programs, and other ephemera collected by Takata regarding Taoism, healing,
nutrition, Dr. Robert Charles, American College of Psychic Studies, and Spiritual Advisory Council.
box 2, folder 4
Kawamura-Takata genealogy
2011 November 18
box 2, folder 5
Travel artifacts
1959-1977
box 2, folder 6
Alice Takata's notes for grey book
undated
box 2, folder 7
Translated Japanese language materials
1996-2006
Scope and Content
Fujita Makoto, "Concerning the Lineage of Usui Family and the Existence of Usui Mikao" (includes translation of Usui's memorial);
Masahiro Nomura's "Reiki Experience"; Ace Japan Translations, Japanese language newspaper articles, "Treatment guide," translation
of Ryoho Shishin (Japanese-language manual of Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai). Translated articles are also included in the scrapbook
in this series (box 1, folder 7).
box 10
Japanese prayer books
undated
box 11, folder 1
Japanese bound book
undated
box 5, folder 5
"Art of Healing" excerpt from Takata's early diary
1948
box 5, folder 6
Hawayo Takata "Art of Healing"
1948
box 5, folder 7-8
Autobiography drafts
1935-1945
box 7
Class rosters and receipts - Puerto Rico
1978-1979
box 7
Class receipts - Puerto Rico
1978-1979
box 7
Class rosters and receipts - Hawaii
1972-1981
box 7
Class receipts - California
1975-1977
box 7
Reiki class notes
1974-1978
box 7
Autograph album and address books
1932, 1950-1955, 1953-1954
box 7
Visitor's books
1951, 1977
box 7
Takata's notebooks, Alice's notebook
1920-1938, 1976, ca. 1980
box 7
Calendar, class roster - Japan
1973, 1975-1976
Series 2. Correspondence
Scope and Content
The series mainly consists of personal and business correspondence with Hawayo Takata. Correspondence with Hawayo Takata's
friends and master students are separated and organized by last name and include personal written and typed letters, cards,
postcards, and pictures. Other correspondence with institutions including the Louis Foundation, the Universal Church of the
Masters, the Kawaski Electric Industry Company, and Ryodoraku Research Institute contains member information, newsletters,
and membership cards. Also included is correspondence between Karl Taku and Hawayo Takata regarding their financial partnership.
box 6
Karl Taku correspondence with Takata
1971-1972
box 6
Correspondence to Hawayo Takata before 1970
1949-1969
box 6
Correspondence from Hawayo Takata
1974-1980
box 6
Correspondence from institutions
1973-1980
box 6
Correspondence to Hawayo Takata after 1970 (A-E)
1973-1980
box 6
Correspondence to Hawayo Takata after 1970 (F-J)
1972-1980
box 6
Correspondence to Hawayo Takata after 1970 (K-O)
1973-1980
box 6
Correspondence to Hawayo Takata after 1970 (P-V)
1970-1980
box 6
Correspondence to Hawayo Takata after 1970 (W-Z) and letters from people with no surnames
1973-1978
box 6
Correspondence - Puerto Rico
1978-1980
box 6
Memorial papers - condolence letters
undated
Master students correspondence
box 8, folder 5-6
Furumoto-Lombard
1974-1986
box 9, folder 1-2
McCullough-Phaigh
1984-1999
box 9, folder 3-5
Saito-Yamashito
1975-1989
Series 3. Certificates
Scope and Content
Includes certificates belonging to Hawayo Takata declaring her an official licensed member and minister of various organizations
including the Indian Association of America, the American Indian Church Temple and Indian Missions, and the Universal Church
of the Master. The majority of certificates are for Takata's different levels of mastery in Reiki both in English and Japanese.
Use Restrictions
Please note the certificates are not available for reproduction.
box 3, folder 1
Japenese Hayashi-Kai travel certificates
undated
box 3, folder 2
Takata travel certificate
1948 November 21
box 3, folder 3
Certificates
1947-1970
Scope and Contents
Certificates included:
- Massage licenses and Massage Association Membership Certificates, 1947–1970
- American College of Psychic Studies certificate, 1974
- Blank Usui Reiki Ryoho Certificates
box 3
Certificates
1976-1977
Scope and Contents
Notebook containing a list of students who require certificates.
box 15
Shoden Hayashi Reiki Kenyukai certificate
undated
box 15
Okuden Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai certificate
undated
box 15
Zukeran Oto (1866 - 1976) (Laupahoehoe) Shoden Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai certificate
undated
box 15
Akasaki Jiro (1888 - 1965) (Paauilo) Shoden Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai certificate
undated
box 15
Fujiyoshi Matsuye Shoden Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai certificate
undated
box 15
Nishihira Kame Shoden Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai certificate
undated
box 15
Blank shodent certificate
undated
box 16
Universal Church of the Master certificate of ordination
1975 September 19
box 16
American Indian Church Temple and Indian Missions certificate of ordination
1948 November 21
box 16
The Indian Association of America, Inc. Doctor of Naturopathy certificate
1948 November 21
box 16
The American Indian Association membership certificate
1948 November 21
box 16
Rosicrucian Order certificate
1951 July 23
box 16
Bethal Phaigh introductory course Reiki certificate
1978 July 15
box 16
Bethal Phaigh intermediate course Reiki certificate
1979 October 10
box 16
Bethal Phaigh advanced course Reiki certificate
1980 October 7
box 29
Hawayo Takata's shoden (first degree) certificate from Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai
1935 December 13
box 29
Hawayo Takata's okuden (second degree) certificate from Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai
1935 December 13
Language of Material: Japanese.
frame 2
Hawayo Takata's English-language Master certificate from Chujiro Hayashi (notarized)
1938 February 21
frame 3
Hawayo Takata's Japanese-language shinpiden (Master) certificate from Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai
1936 October 1
Series 4. Reiki writings
Scope and Content
Includes many articles about Takata's career, spiritual healing practices, and Reiki. Also includes early manuscripts of
Living Reiki: Takata's Teachings by Fran Brown.
box 4, folder 1
Living Reiki: Takata's Teachings correspondence and manuscripts
1990-1992
box 4, folder 2
Living Reiki: Takata's Way by Fran Brown bound manuscript
1999
box 4, folder 3
Journey Into Consciousness by Bethal Phaigh manuscript
undated
box 4, folder 4
Journey Into Consciousness by Bethal Phaigh
circa 1980
box 4, folder 6
The Usui System of Natural Healing by Paul Mitchel
1985
box 4, folder 7
In the Light a Distant Star: A Spiritual Journey Bringing the Unseen Into the Seen by Wanja Twan
1995
box 4, folder 8
The Usui System of Healing by Fran Brown
1992-1994
box 5, folder 1
Publications
1936-1981
Scope and Content
Includes:
- Correspondence about Takata's autobiography, 1974-1981
- English-language newspaper articles and advertisements from 1936–1938
- "Kauai's Valley House," by Francis Lee about the opulent plantation home where Takata worked, c. 1916-1936
- Photographs taken for 1974 Honolulu Advertiser article
- Assorted newspaper clippings, 1970s
box 5, folder 2
Takata/Reiki publications
1936-1991
Scope and Contents
Includes:
- Sally Hammond correspondence
- Joan Kodani, "Medicinal Practices" (unpublished 1977 paper for the University of Hawaii with a section on Reiki)
- Correspondence about Helen Haberly's book, Reiki: Hawayo Takata's Story
- A translation of two of Takata's Japanese language certificates
- Publications about Reiki and assorted practices
box 5, folder 3
Hayashi materials
1935-1937
Scope and Contents
Materials from Hayashi Reiki Kenkyukai, including:
- Two copies of Treatment Guide (Ryoho Shishin); one from Tokyo, one for Hawai'i practitioners
- Japanese-language anatomical chart
box 5, folder 4
Psychic Dimensions
1997 January
box 17, folder 1
"She is Gentle Healer"
circa 1974
box 11, folder 2
The Teaching of Buddha: The Buddhist Bible
1966
box 11, folder 3
The Litgury of Nichiren Shoshu
1961
box 11, folder 4
Rissho Yosei Kai memorial book
undated
box 11, folder 5
Kenko magazine in Japanese
1974 January 18 - 1977 April 16
box 11, folder 6
Japanese comic book and magazine
1973
box 11, folder 7
Sandeha Nivarini: Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
1973
box 17, folder 2
"Mrs. Takata and Reiki Power,"
Honolulu Advertisers
1974 February 25
box 17, folder 3
"Mrs. Takata Opens Minds About Reiki,"
The Times
1975 May 17
box 17, folder 4
"Faith Healer Ends Years of Agony in Hour,"
National Inquirer
1974 January 16
box 17, folder 5
"'Sanadora' Hawaiana Explica Sus Métodos,¨
El Vocero
1979 July 20
box 17, folder 6
"Hawayana Dará Conferencias Sobre Energía Positiva y Sanación,"
El Mundo
1979 July 20
box 17, folder 7
"Mrs. Takata Opens Door to Japanese Healing Art,"
The San Juan Star
1979 July 20
box 17, folder 8
"Reiki Master Uses Forces of Cosmos in Healing Process,"
Honolulu Star Bulletin
1983 June 18
box 17, folder 9
"Willingness To Be Well: Motivating Wellness"/ Paul Mitchel-Reiki master advertisement,
New Age Healer
1984 March
box 17, folder 10
"Natural Healings Taught in Homes"/ "Opera Star Sings of New Healing Life"
1978 October 25
Series 5. Photographs
Scope and Content
Includes Reiki practitioner Bethal Pahigh's photographs used in her book
Journey into Consciousness, photographs of Reiki Master Chujiro Hayashi, and photographs taken at a funeral.
box 12, folder 1
Phaigh, Bethal, photographs and contact sheets
undated
box 12, folder 2
Reiki therapy Grand Master Hayashi Chujiro-sensei farewell meeting
undated
box 12, folder 3
Hayashi farewell brunch, photograph
1938 February 20
box 12, folder 4
Funeral of Kawanura photographs
undated
box 19
Photograph of Hawashi Chujiro and Kiyoe
undated
box 19
Hayashi group photograph
undated
Content note
Taken in Honolulu. Includes Hawayo Takata, daugther Julia, Dr. Hayashi, Mr. Aoya (Grove Hotel owner), and Sally, Julia's friend.
box 19
Portrait of Takata
undated
box 19
Portrait of Usui
1948 November 21
Series 6. Memorabilia and artifacts
Scope and Content
Includes personal items and artifacts of Takata as well as items used for Reiki.
box 13
Two vibrating material-covered pads
undated
box 13
Vibrating heat box
undated
object Artifact Shelves
Massage table cushions and electronic bed controls
box 14
Gold eyeglass case containing IDs and membership cards
1974-1978
box 14
Hawayo Takata's seal embosser
undated
box 14
Hawayo Takata business stamps
undated
box 14
Japanese photo corners
undated
box 14
Golf trophy to Hirome Takata
1965
box 14
Mailing tube for massage license
1943 July 7
box 14
Small iron statue of golfer
undated
box 18
Small dish with tree decoration
box 18
Small paper bag full of beads
box 18
Seven squares of cardboard with Japanese cartography
box 18
Yellow pouch, brown cord, with a picture of a man spreading coins on it
box 18
Memorial long white cloth with Japanese script
box 18
Scrolls and sheets of Japanese script
box 18
Small brass artifact in box
box 19
Gold etching of Kinkakuji, Kyoto
undated
box 19
Acupuncture anatomical chart
undated
box 19
Japanese calligraphy painting
undated
box 19
Dr. Hayashi caligraphy of the 5 Reiki principles (Gokai)
undated
box 20
Reiki: Usui Shiki Ryoho through the stories of Takata's students, A collection of teachings from five masters initiated by
Hawayo Takata
2007
box 20
Takata in Yellow Stone
1959 August 14
box 20
Takata in Salt Lake City
1959 August 15
item A33428/CS
Nora Kawamura Sewil
undated
item A33429/CS
Takata Speaks Volume 1: Reiki Stories, Selections and Introductions by John Harvey Grey
undated
item A33430/CS
Psychic reading of Takata
1975 June 12
item V10776/DVD
Takata in Yellow Stone and Salt Lake City
undated
Loyal Garner: Hawaii Today, 8-track
1979 March 18
frame 1
Hawayo Takata portrait
1976 January 10
box 21, box 22, box 23, box 24, box 25, box 26, box 27, box 28
Outfits
undated
Scope and Contents
Includes dresses, blazers, belts, shoes, pants, and a shawl.
