Previous News Archive

July 30, 2009

From 18:00 on Thursday the 30th of July, 2009, the 29th "Karukaya Eennichi Geino Kansho no Yube" [Karukaya Festival Performing Arts Appreciation Evening] will be held at a temple that has requickened Etoki in the modern world, namely, Karukaya-san Saiko-ji in Nagano.

• A Buddhist Service conducted by Rev. Shunyu Takesawa (Karukaya-san Saiko-ji Chief Resident Priest)
• A Lecture entitled "Kowa, Shodo Bungei no Sekai" [the world of Discourse and Propagandistic Literary Art] by Prof. Masahiko Hayashi (Meiji University)
• Narative Performances: Relay Etokis --- "Karukaya Doshin Ishidomaru" and "Go-shinshi Go-eden" [the pictures depicting sequences of events of the lives of father (Monk ⁽¹⁾ Karukaya) and son (Ishidomaru)]
  • Ms. Shigeko Takesawa (Karukaya-san Saiko-ji Chief Resident Priest's wife)
  • Ms. Tamae Takesawa (Karukaya-san Saiko-ji Adjutant Resident Priest's wife)
• A Musical Performance: the Theremin & the thirteen-stringed Koto
  • Theremin music played by Mr. Keiya Maruyama
  • Koto music played by Ms. Yae Nakanishi
• A Recitation Performance: Gidayu titled "Sanjusangendo Munagi no Yurai" [the origin of the ridgepole of Sanjusangen-do]
  • Female Gidayu performed by Ms. Tosae Takemoto (designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Asset of Japan in 2002)
  • Samisen (Shamisen) performed by Ms. Tsugae Tsuruzawa

Admission to this "Karukaya Eennichi Geino Kansho no Yube" event is free.

July 4, 2009

On Saturday the 4th of July, 2009, the annual Geino Seminar will be held by Geino Gakkai [The founder: Dr. Shinobu Orikuchi (d. 1953)] at the Lecture Hall of the main building of Kanda Gaigo Gakuin (Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages). The theme of this year's Geino Seminar of Geino Gakkai is "Sumo" ^(a) and is to excursion into a relational modality of Sumo and Geino.

The 2009 Geino Gakkai General Assembly 13:00 - 13:30 (Members of Geino Gakkai only)
The 2009 Geino Seminar 14:00 - 17:00 (Doors open for general participants at 13:30)

• 1. Lectures
  • (1) "Sumo to Geino to" by Nobuhisa Kitagata
  • (2) "Sekitori Senryo-nobori to Kansei Rikishi-den" [The Joruri script titled "Sekitori Senryo-nobori" written by Chikamatsu Hanji (1725-1783) and co-writers, which is said to be based on the life of a famous Edo-period Sumo wrestler named Inagawa, and the lives of Sumo wrestlers in the Kansei era of the Edo period] by Koichi Ikeda
• 2. Female Gidayu Recitation [Gidayu: a style of reciting the dramatic narratives used in the Joruri puppet theater]
  • "Sekitori Senryo-nobori" ("Inagawa-uchi no Dan" [Episode about Inagawa's wife])
  • • Joruri performed by Living National Treasure Takemoto Komanosuke (designated as a Living National Treasure of Japan in 1999 for her Gidayubushi-joruri)
  • • Samisen (Shamisen) performed by Tsuruzawa Tsugaju
• 3. Dialogue
  • Takemoto Komanosuke
  • Koichi Ikeda
• 3. Yagura-daiko Percussion Performance [Yagura-daiko: the signal drum for a sumo tournament]
  • • Yagura-daiko music performed by Tsuruzawa Sansuzu, Tsuruzawa Tsugae, Tsuruzawa Tsugaju, Tsuruzawa Kazu, Tsuruzawa Tsugahana, and Tsuruzawa Kazume.

The 2009 Geino Seminar Closing Session 17:00 (estimated time)

Auditing (Listening in) this Geino Seminar of Geino Gakka is free. Attendance and participation from among non-Society members who are interested in Sumo and its associated performing arts are welcomed.

The 26th of June, 2009

The "Tobo-ryu Fushidansekkyo Jitsuen Kai" [Tobo School Fushidansekkyo Demonstrative Presentation] by the members of Sensho Kai (the Head is Rev. Egun Mikogami, the President is Rev. Bunsho Takeuchi) will be given at the main building of Hongwanji Kobe Betsuin, which is fondly referred to as "Modern Temple," in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture from 13:30 (doors open at 13:00) on Friday, June 26, 2009.
I quote Rev. Egun Mikogami's "Message" from a leaflet that I received yesterday.

(quote/tr.) Today, Fushidansekkyo is attracting people's attention.
The Reverend Bunsho Takeuchi, who has presided over Sensho Kai with a view to realizing the succession, diffusion, and diligent study of Tobo-ryu Sekkyo that originated in Tobo Fukusen-ji, takes on the teaching of the members with such ardency and attentiveness as if he were possessed with the Tobo-ryu spirit.
In this presentation by Sensho Kai, you really must see the distinctive composition and unique art of Tobo-ryu Sekkyo that exemplify Fushidansekkyo. Also, you definitely should observe the fact that there are firmly held in Tobo-tyu Sekkyo the most vital truths (teachings) of Shin Buddhism. (end quote/tr.)

The subjects and preachers who will deliver sermons are
(1) "Jippo [Ten directions] Sho: Dai 1 seki" by Rev. Kojun Amano (Junsei-ji in Himeji City),
(2) "Jippo Sho: Dai 2 seki" by Rev. Kakusei Mochizuki (Zentoku-ji in Tatsuno City),
(3) "Jippo Sho: Dai 3 seki" by Rev. Ryuten Honda (Josen-ji in Toyooka City),
(4) "Ryuju [Nagarjuna] Sho: Dai 3 seki" by Rev. Satoe Ashihara (Kakuo-ji in Kagoshima Prefecture), and
(5) "Ryogemon [also called Gaikemon. "The Creed" or "Statement of Conviction" or "Profession of Faith"]: Dai 4 seki" by Rev. Hitoshi Makino (Hoon-ji in Miki City).

Please contact Rev. Shiro Ikemoto's Hossho-ji (31 Kameyama, Shikama-ku, Himeji-shi, Hyogo 672-8047 Japan) for inquiries. Rev. Shiro Ikemoto is the Sewanin [facilitator, steward].

From 10 am on May 31, 2009

"Shonen-ki Dai-ichi-kai Fushidansekkyo Taikai" [the first Reverend Shonen Sobue Commemorative Fushidansekkyo Meeting] will be held at Yurin-ji in Nagoya from 10 am on May 31st, 2009. I have just received the profile of the preachers from Rev. Yoshino Sobue, and I am going to post it below, with supplementary explanations by me (displayed in gray font color).

--- Morning Sermons---
1. "Rennyo Shonin Kosui Watari" [Rennyo Shonin crossing over a lake]
Tamon Sugiu Born in 1983. Chomyo-ji Adjutant Resident Priest in Fukuoka.
Rev. Shonen Sobue's recorded sermon entitled "Shinran Shonin Go-ichidai-ki" having touched him to the core, he came to aspire to be a preacher.
An appointed Preacher to deliver a vigil sermon at the Hongwanji Memorial Service for Shinran [Goshoki] in 2007 and 2008.
2. "Ki no Jinshin to Ho no Jinshin" [Two types of deep Faith, deep Faith of Ki (to believe deeply and unwaveringly that "in truth we are ordinary unenlightened beings subject to birth and death, who from the remotest past up to the present time have been forever floundering in samsara, and that we have no way of freeing ourselves" - Tannisho) and deep Faith of Ho (to believe deeply and unwaveringly that "the Forty-eight Vows of Amida Buddha enfold sentient beings, enabling them to board his Vow-Power and attain Birth" - Kyogyoshinsho) .]
Hironori Fukushima Born in 1957. Anyo-ji Chief Resident Priest in Shiga.
Directer of NPO "Gogasha," a "Free School" [a school for school-rejection syndrome students and withdrawal students] certified by the Kyoto City Board of Education.
3. "Hachi-man no Hozo: Ishibashi Jukan and Nishikiori Genshu" [The Eighty Thousand Teachings - Ofumi: Jukan Ishibashi and Genshu Nishikiori (medical doctors in the Edo period, who are also known as devout Nembutsu practitioners).]
Gihaku Fugoshi Born in 1951. Honjo-ji Chief Resident Priest in Tokyo.
Executive Director of Fushidansekkyo Kenkyu Kai.
Having guided by the late Rev. Yukihisa Muto, he entered into the Fushidansekkyo world. With the passing of Rev. Muto, he took over a post as Chairman of Executive Committee of Fushidansekkyo Fukyo Taikai at Tsukiji Hongwanji in Tokyo in July, 2007.
He has undertaken steadfast endeavors to render or adapt classical sermon texts and to bring forth new sermons. There are over twenty "signature" sermons of Rev. Fugoshi.
--- Afternoon Sermons---
4. "Katen Kyodai" [Katen Brother and Sister (from the Korean legend of the caster of the bronze Divine Bell of King Seongdeok (the Emile Bell) and his sister and her little daughter).]
Shinryo Koizumi Born in 1957. Josen-ji Chief Resident Priest in Hyogo.
Director of Social Welfare Juridical Person Josen Hoikuen.
Flight Instructor of Japan Students Aviation League (JSAL) and Coach of Aviation Club of Ryukoku University.
Commonly known as "Singer Song Bon-san" [singer-songwriter priest].
Having once struggled to make a manuscript for a three-minute talk when assigned to the "Telephone Dharma Talk," he grew desperate and, finally, he sang a "filksong" to his own accompaniment on the guitar, and, though unexpected, that got a great response from the listeners. This led to his "singing with the guitar" missionary work. He presented himself for "Hangwanji-ha Fukyoshi [Preacher] Examination" with his guitar. Rev. Koizumi is the first Appointed Missionary to have ever become officially recognized by the Hongwanji-ha denomination in Japan as a guitar playing missionary.
In 2002 and 2007, he was engaged in international missionary work under the Australia Hongwanji.
5. "Genemon no Namakubi" [Genemon's freshly severed head (an anecdote of the ultimate self-sacrifice of Genemon and his son in the days of the 8th Chief Abbot Rennyo).]
Yoshino Sobue Born in 1967. Yurin-ji Deputy Chief Resident Priest (the succession, 2011) in Nagoya.
Raised from birth with hearing the sermons of her grandfather, Rev. Shonen Sobue [earned the reputation of the best Fushidansekkyo preacher in Japan].
Although after the passing of her grandfather, she, in her sorrow, had detached herself from preaching for its own sake, yet meeting with many preachers at Fushidansekkyo Fukyo Taikai held at Tsukiji Hongwanji in 2007 inspired her, and she has decided to follow in her grandfather's path.
This time, she takes on delivering "Genemon no Namakubi" that was Rev. Shonen Sobue's "forte" and one of his "signature" sermons.

Rev. Yoshino, thank you very much. I am anxiously looking forward to hearing your "Genemon no Namakubi" on May 31st.

The 10th of June, 2009

The second missionary meeting themed "The World of Shinran Shonin: Shinran As Seen by the People (the image of Shinran as carried by the people)" by Space Saranam, which is composed of two parts, will be held at two different sites in Nagoya.

(honorific prefixes omitted)

Please contact Rev. Takakazu Hazyka's Joshin-ji for inquiries. Rev. Takakazu Hazyka's Joshin-ji Web site Top Page "Joshin-ji Home Page (Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City)." [Japanese]
URL: http://www.jiin.or.jp/

At the Ganjo-ji

I am delighted to hear that Ganjo-ji marks the 10th year since Jushoku [Resident Priest] entered into Ganjo-ji. I would like to express my joy and congratulations to the Ganjo-ji and the Ganjo-ji parishioners.

At the Ganjo-ji of Rev. Keiko Washizaka, Eitaikyo Service ("Eitaikyo" is short for "Eitai Dokkyo" ["Reciting sutras in perpetuity"]) to commemorate its 10th anniversary of "Jushoku Nyuji [Resident Priest having entered into the temple]" will be held on April 15th, 2009. Rev. Hojo Matsushima (Hongwanji-ha Senpuku-ji Resident Priest, noted for his applicable Fushidansekkyo preaching for this day and age) will come to deliver a sermon on the occasion of this commemorative Service.

• Date and Start Time: Wed April 15, 2009  13:00
• Preacher: "Fushidansekkyo" Propagator  Rev. Hojo Matsushima

Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Zozu-san Ganjo-ji Address: 836 Gojo, Kotohiracho, Nakatado-gun, Kagawa-ken 766-0003 Japan

As an individual

There was a friend who got intrigued with, as her "personal faith" (her own faith), a certain Buddhist teaching that was preached not by her "family temple," a temple that her family had had a long standing membership with and her parents supported as Buddhist parishioners, and even not by her "family religion" (the same denomination to which her "family temple" belonged). For she had no acquaintances in the denomination based on the teaching, she believed, there was nothing she could do. I once said to her that she should contact a Buddhist temple of the teaching, with the conviction that any temple would respond to her and guide her in some way or other if she would earnestly and genuinely ask a question of a priest at the temple. She, however, gave up.

At that time, I took it that she was just lacking in earnestness. But, from a recent experience that I had, I came to realize the "difficulties" (even if the "difficulties" are objectively-unfounded) involved in contacting Buddhist temples in Japan as an individual neither with an introducer nor with a letter of introduction, in a way, as she conceived them.

on DVD

Thank you very much for an announcement on the digitization (digitalization) of the recorded Fushidansekkyo Hoza [literally, Dharma seat], which was held at Kitamido (the official name: Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Hongwanji Tsumura Betsuin) in Osaka on March 5th, 2009, waiting with anticipation for Shinran Shonin 750th Memorial Observance themed on "Peace and Tranquility."

A DVD titled "Fushidansekkyo ha ima yomigaeru" has just been released. The preachers on the DVD are:
Rev. Shojo Fujino (Otani-ha Jonen-ji Resident Priest, noted for Fujino-bushi [Rev. Fujino's original ballad-esque tune]),
Rev. Kosho Sasaki (Hongwanji-ha Joho-ji Resident Priest, an appointed Missionary of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha),
Rev. Atena Gabriela Cosofret ⁽¹⁾ (a Romanian priest, an appointed Missionary of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha).

For its contents and publication, please visit its Web page.
"Fushidansekkyo | Kitamido (Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Tsumura Betsuin)" [Japanese]
URL: http://www.fushidan.net/

At the Yurin Temple

The following is a 2009 schedule of events at the Yurin-ji [Yurin Temple] of Rev. Yoshino Sobue.

• February 14 -- Yurin-ji Hoonko morning service and afternoon service
  The morning service is "Kodomo Hoonko" [Children's Hoonko] with kindergarten children of Tokufu Yojien.
  Dharma Talk by Rev. Shinrei Honda (Rensai-ji)
• February 15 -- Yurin-ji Hoonko morning service and afternoon service
  Omaeza [an opening Fushidansekkyo sermon] by Rev. Yoshino Sobue
  Fusahidansekkyo by Rev. Yutaka Tamura (Saikei-ji) [Rev. Tamura used to be an apprentice of the late Rev. Shonen Sobue.]
• March 15 -- Spring Higane [Higan Service], Eitaikyo Service ("Eitaikyo" is short for "Eitai Dokkyo" ["reciting sutras in perpetuity"].)
• May 22 -- The first anniversary of Rev. Shodo Sobue's death.
• May 31 -- Shonen-ki [the anniversary of Rev. Shonen Sobue's death], Fushidansekkyo training convention.
• September 20 -- Autumn Higane, Eitaikyo (Eitai Dokkyo) Service

Additionally, Byakuren Kai, a study meeting is held on the 22nd of each month at Yurin-ji, the objective of which is to read the true meaning of the Shoshinge ["The Hymn of True Faith"] with care through rendering every single word of the classical Chinese-style text into Japanese.

at Nikken Building in Jinbocho

With Rev. Yoshino Sobue as a lecturer, the first installment in a series of Ken Ito Seminar on Fushidansekkyo, "Sobue Shonen no Sokuseki" [Shonen Sobue's footsteps], will be given on Thursday the 12th of February, 2009.

Ken Ito Seminar "Nihon Minshu Wagei no Genten, Fushidansekkyo: Sono Hyogen to Kanosei" [The origin of Japanese popular verbal arts, Fushidansekkyo: Its expressivity and potential]
Date and Time: Thu February 12, 2009  18:30 - 20:30
Place: Nikken Bldg. 9F, 3-1-6, Jinbocho, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (the corner of the intersection called Sendai-mae [Senshu University front] crossing)
Organizer: Forum Jinbocho
Lecturers: Ken Ito and Yoshino Sobue

(honorific prefixes omitted)

Please note that seminars given by Forum Jinbocho are identified as the study meetings for people involved in the media. Applications for auditing are being accepted from the general public. But there may be cases, it is explicitly stated, where people in the media, including the press and TV, will be given priority.
Forum Jinbocho Web site Top Page "Forum Jinbocho =TOP=." [Japanese]
URL: http://www.forum-j.com/index.html

at the Meiji University Liberty Hall

Having Professor Masahiko Hayashi as a coordinator, who is the foremost authority in the field of Etoki study, the 2nd Kumano-gaku [Study of Kumano] Forum will be held at the Meiji University Liberty Hall in Liberty Tower on the 10th of January, 2009, in the form of "relay" lectures on the quintessence of Kumano and the attraction of Kumano Kodo [the ancient road of Kumano], with visual images.

The 2nd Kumano-gaku Forum "Kumano no Sekai-isan no Miryoku wo kataru"
Date and Time: Sat January 10, 2009  13:30 - 17:00 (Doors open at 12:30)
Place: Meiji University Liberty Hall (Meiji University Liberty Tower)
Organizers: Shingu City

 Meiji University

Coordinator: Prof. Masahiko Hayashi (Meiji University)
Relay Lectures
"Kumano Sanzan to Kodo wo toru" by Mr. Koji Kusumoto (Photographer)
"Kumano Kodo to Shinrin" by Mr. Yasukuni Mizuno (Vice President of the Nanki Seibutsu Doko Kai)
"Seichi, Kumano no Shinzui" by Prof. Masataka Suzuki (Keio University)
Presentation of Etoki in English
"Kumano Mandala Etoki" performed by Ms. Kyoko Fukutsuji (Ima Kumano Bikuni [a modern-day Kumano Bikuni])

Auditing (Listening in) the 2nd Kumano-gaku Forum is free (No fee). But you need to apply in advance to participate in this forum. The Office of the Meiji University Liberty Academy will accept the first 490 persons.
Meiji University Liberty Academy official Web site
"Meiji Daigaku Liberty Academy" [Japanese] ( The page that the link represents includes a dynamic image such as Flash.)
URL: http://academy.meiji.jp/

Wednesday 7th January, 2009

I thank to the Japan Asia Fine Arts Association for the letter accompanied by a program announcement on the "Wa-gaku you" New Year's presentation.

Japanese traditional performing arts experience will be presented by "Wa-gaku you" at the Asian Culture Center of Japan Asia Fine Arts Association at 19:00 on the 7th of January, 2009. The announcement says that this New Year's presentation is to be combined with a send-off party for its performances in the Kingdom of Thailand, which is committed to bringing awareness and appreciation of the Japanese traditional performing arts and culture to audiences.

This forthcoming presentation by "Wa-gaku you" at the Asian Culture Center is a prior booking essential, fee-paid event with drinks (All proceeds will be used as the "Asian Children's Exchange Foundation" organized by NPO Japan Asia Fine Arts Association).
For a reservation and an inquiry, please contact Japan Asia Fine Arts Association.
Japan Asia Fine Arts Association official Web page Specified Nonprofit Organization Japan Asia Fine Arts Association [Japanese]
URL: http://www.j-asia.jp/

I would like to express my deepest condolences

at Dai-kogishitsu of Kokuritsu Nohgaku-do

The Geino Gakkai 2008 Meeting for Reading Research Papers will be held at the Large Lecture Hall of Noh Theatre of the National Theatre of Japan (Kokuritsu Nohgaku-do) on Saturday the 6th of December, 2008.

Part I: Presentation of Research Papers 11:00 - 12:30
"Yamanashi-ken Mushono no Nembutsu nitsuite" ⁽¹⁾ by Makoto Ikehara (Kawasaki City Nakahara Library)
"Kankoku no Hoshi (Popsa) no Kut" ⁽²⁾ by Shoko Murakami (Professor at Takushoku University)
"Odawara, 'Kiri Okura' kara mieru ni san no Mondai'" ⁽³⁾ by Hiroyo Naito [Naitou] (Collateral Lecturer at Kokugakuin University)
--- A sixty-minute recess (lunch) ---
Part II: Lecture and Demonstrative Performance 13:30 - 16:45
Lecture "Gendai Nohgaku no Choryu" [The Current of Contemporary Noh]
Lecturer: Hisashi Hata (Professor at Musashino University)
--- A fifteen-minute recess (15:00 - 15:15) ---
Performance "Ichigen-kin no Miryoku" [The Appeal of One-stringed Koto]
Performer: Ichiyo Saito (One-stringed Koto Player, Guardian of the Seikyodo Ichigen-kin school of Koto Music)
Appreciator: Tadashi Nakamura (Head of the City Folklore Center)

(honorific prefixes omitted)

Auditing (Listening in) this entire meeting of Geino Gakka is free (No fee). Attendance and participation in this meeting from among non-Society members who are interested in the above rituals and performing arts are welcomed.

October 28th, 2008

Under the editorship of Professor Haruo Misumi and the directorship of Mr. Tatsuo Azuma, a China-Korea-Japan music drama collaboration titled "KONKICHI" will be presented at the Cerulean Tower Nogaku-do [Noh Theatre], with the various brilliances of three Asian countries (China, Korea, and Japan), including Mr. Motonari Ohkura (OHKURA Motonari, Noh comic drama "Kyogen" actor), Mr. Kyozo Nakamura (NAKAMURA Kyozo, Kabuki actor), Mr. "Lucky Ikeda" (Choreographer and Entertainer), Mr. Ran Guan (GUAN Ran, Beijing [classical Chinese] opera actor), Ms. "Yang Chen" [Ms. Wen-chiang Qian] (Singer), Mr. Hongjun Liu (LIU Hongjun, Composer and Musician), Ms. Ol Kim (KIM Ol, zither-like Korean traditional stringed instrument "Gayageum" player). I have heard that it is telling the preciousness of harmonious coexistence with nature and love.

Tue, October 28, 2008
Matinee: 15:00 (the doors open at 14:30)
Evening performance: 19:00 (the doors open at 18:30)

This forthcoming presentation of the China-Korea-Japan music drama collaboration at the Cerulean Tower Nogaku-do is a fee-paid event, and the audiences have to purchase tickets.
For a ticket and an inquiry, please visit the Homepage of "KONKICHI" which is set up on Japan Asia Fine Arts Association's Web site.
Music Drama KONKICHI [Japanese] ( The page that the link represents includes a dynamic image such as Flash.)
URL: http://www.j-asia.jp/konkichi/

A much-awaited "Tune" and a lambent "Vision"

What I had been awaiting was Rev. Yoshino Sobue's Fushi [tune]. Rev. Yoshino used a tune in her preaching entitled "'Gokaisan no Gokuro" [The hardships of the founder] yesterday. I was so delighted. It was a distinctively Rev. Yoshino's own, and created her dynamic Fushidansekkyo.

Rev. Takakazu Hazuka made clear distinction yesterday between the Dharma (Ho) and the Art (Gei) with a view to facilitating further comprehension of "Ho Gei Ichinyo" [Dharma-Art unity]. I marvel, whenever sit under Rev. Hazuka, for he makes one approach after another and sets out his vision with expressivity.

Sincerely

I would like to extend my gratitude, to the technology of Pencil Pixels Automated Instant Art Effects and the people at Pencil Pixels Art Service, from Japan.

Pencil Pixels is noted for their developed and produced Art Tools for Photoshop, including the "One-Click Art Actions." I am amazed at how closer the transformed photographs (or, photo-based digital images) by the effect of Pencil Pixels One-Click Art Actions can come to realistic pencil drawings by real portrait artists with diverse and distinctive touches. And I am grateful to the people at Pencil Pixels Art Service for their kindness and generosity.

"Bussho yuri" and "Hyoga muyo"

" Bussho yuri, Kokuo kuju, (...) Kokubu minan, Hyoga muyo" [Where the Dharma prevails, there prosper countries, (...) there live in peace people, and there need neither solders nor weapons] (Dai Muryoju kyo [the second volume], Wu liang shou ching, Sukhavativyuha).

The words uttered by Rev. Yoshino Sobue on August 20th is still resonating in me — "Where the Dharma prevails, tragic events do not occur."

As if a "blend of purity and plangency"

It was February 27th when I first heard Rev. Keiko Wasgizaka's tune. And I got an opportunity to hear it again on August 20th.

Rev. Washizaka's tune, as I perceive it, is an expressive "blend of purity and plangency." It soothes my noisy mind.

Three years later

How delighted the parishioners must be to have a new resident priest that do not forget people as Companions and Fellow Practitioners even for a moment and do walk with people all the way along, that is, Rev. Yoshino. I would like to express my joy and congratulations to the Yurin-ji parishioners.

I hope that Rev. Yoshino will hold a regular Missionary meeting at the Yurin-ji, like the days of her grandfather, the late Rev. Shonen Sobue, where the naturally-arising Uke Nembutsu resonates.

The 18th of September, 2008

The first missionary meeting themed "Fushidansekkyo: Tradition and Inheritance" by Space Saranam will be given at Higashi Betsuin in Nagoya. Needless to say, auditing (listening in) this meeting is free.

• Date and Time: Thu September 18, 2008  14:00 - 17:30
• Place: Higashi Betsuin (Shinshu Otani-ha Nagoya Betsuin) Taimenjo
• Organizer: Space Saranam

Space Saranam, the representative of which is Rev. Takakazu Hazuka, is a voluntary group consisted of Otani-ha priests that reside in the Parish of Nagoya (Nagoya Kyoku) who exert themselves to create a place where every priest can speak of Shin Buddhism, pleasantly, deeply, and lucidly, with one's own words, addressing the various issues both in the parish and in the society.
Space Saranam's Web site's Top Page "Space Saranam Homepage." [Japanese]
URL: http://sara.cocona.jp/index.html

The 8th of July, the 10th of August,
and the 18th of September, 2008.

The schedule of Rev. Yoshino Sobue is as follows:

• Rev. Yoshino's lecture entitled "Katei to Bukkyo [Home and Buddhism]"
  10:00, Tue July 8, 2008, Nagoya Betsuin Kaikan
• Rev. Yoshino's Fushidansekkyo preaching
  Sun August 10, 2008, Nagoya Betsuin Taimenjo
  Her 1st preaching: 07:30, her 2nd preaching: 10:00, and her 3rd preaching: 13:00.
• Rev. Yoshino's Fushidansekkyo preaching
  Thu September 18, 2008, Nagoya Betsuin Taimenjo
  (The order of appearance of preachers on the day is not yet fixed at the current moment.)

"Katei to Bukkyo" is her lecture, not her preaching. But she told me that she would present a stirring passage from her Fushidansekkyo during the lecture.

"Rev. Yoshino's Fushidansekkyo preaching, Thu September 18" refers to her preaching during the above-mentioned Missionary Meeting by Space Saranam.

A list of reference material

Hongwanji Cultural Symposium Brochure that was distributed on the day (July 8, 2008) contains "A List of Reference Material related to Fushidansekkyo" compiled by Rev. Futai Naobayashi (Vice-president of Fushidansekkyo Kenkyu Kai) and Rev. Gihaku Fugoshi (Executive Director of Fushidansekkyo Kenkyu Kai). I am going to make excerpts from its "Documented Studies and Research Papers" and "Fushidansekkyo Preachers' Memoirs and Preaching Collections" sections below, for those that would like to learn about Fushidansekkyo who do not dislike the Japanese language.

The Rev. Gien Yamashita's remark
"Not using Fushi at all"

Rev. Gien Yamashita, Hongwanji-ha Propagator and Resident Priest of Jofuku Temple in the Parish of Bungo (Bingo District Association), has said that he does not utilize Fushi at all in his preaching, though his preaching master is the late Rev. Moyu Nogami, a great Fushidansekkyo preacher. The reason is that Rev. Yamashita thought that Fushi was not suitable for him in conveying his own joy and rejoicing [that arose from the Eighteenth Vow], and Rev. Yamashita promised his master Rev. Nogami that he would never use Fushi in his preaching.

The Associate Professor Takanori Fujita's remark
"The triple action of Fushi"

Associate Professor Takanori Fujita at Research Center For Japanese Traditional Music of Kyoto City University of Arts has identified the following three points as the triple action of Fushi:
1. Fixating words (e.g., into a certain form or pattern, etc.), 2. Obfuscating the sense of one's word (with a certain reciprocating relation, which differs from usual, ordinary communication, being developed. For example, an issue of "whose word [utterance] is it?" comes into play when intoning the word, etc.), and 3. Preserving words by freezing (not consuming words in the "here and now," but freezing words. The refrigerated words can and will suddenly come back [revive] or appear within oneself [in an utterer or in a hearer], for instance, years later, etc.).

A insightful and richly documented study
"Sei to Shi" no Tozai Bunkashi

The excellently documented study Meiji Daigaku Jinbun Kagaku Kenkyujo Sosho "Sei to Shi" no Tozai Bunkashi (Japan: Hojodo Shuppan, 2008) has, with Prof. Masahiko Hayashi who is the foremost authority in the field of Etoki study as the editor, been published in a series, the objective of which is to get to the primordial ideas and mentalities through a comparative perspective across space and time on Death-and-Life Views (Life and Death Views) in Oriental culture and those in Occidental culture and the aspects of the times being reflected in the modalities of "Life and Death."

The 6th of July, 2008

The performance of Gyozan Shomyo and Fushidansekkyo, "Nembutsu no Genryu," is given at Tsukiji Hongwanji (Hongwanji Tsukiji Betsuin), Tokyo. The following information is for those who would like to make reservations and purchase tickets.

• Gyozan Shomyo ("Buddhist Chant of Mt. Yu" named after Yushan in China, the cradle of Shomyo in China. See note below) entitled "Nyoho Nembutsu Saho" [the service of the Nembutsu in accordance with the Law (as prescribed by the Law)]
  Reciters: Rev. Muko Mizuhara (The only presently-existing keeper of Gyozan Shomyo that is called Gyozan Hosshi ["Dharma-exponent"]) and the 23 reverends of Kyoto Ohara Gyozan Shomyo
• Fushidansekkyo entitled "Koshi Fuon [being not far from here]" (Meditation on the Buddha of Infinite Life Sutra) [Amida Buddha is present in the "here and now" towards us.]
  A preacher: Rev. Kenjun Hirooka (The keeper of the flame of Noto-bushi Fushidansekkyo)
• Japanese Shojin cuisine themed on "the taste of Japanese food when Shinran Shonin was in this world"
  A chef: Mr. Hiroshi Nagashima (The General Manager and Chief Cook of Japanese restaurant "Shisui" of Tsukiji Hongwanji)

A good seat from which to watch this "Nembutsu no Genryu" performance is a fee-incurring, special seat called "Tokuto seki." The ticket is 3,000 yen [JPY] (this fee includes a special seat and lunch as mentioned above). They say, "The availability is limited so please contact us by phone as soon as possible to reserve your place if you are interested."
For a reservation (a ticket), call Japanese restaurant "Shisui" of Tsukiji Hongwanji.

The 8th of July, 2008

Hongwanji Cultural Symposium by Jodo Shinshu Studies And Research Center Jodo Shinshu Hangwanji-ha (Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Kyogaku Dendo Kenkyu Center) will take place in the Multi-purpose Hall on the third floor of the Nishi Hongwanji Monbou Kaikan in Kyoto.

They say that auditing (listening in) this Hongwanji Cultural Symposium by Jodo Shinshu Studies And Research Center is free (No admission fee is required. Neither application nor reservation are needed).

The 18th of June, 2008

I am grateful to Tokorozawa Christ Church and the congregation for the letter accompanied by a periodical publication by Rev. Shuichi Sugiyama and the church, "Tokorozawa Good News."

"Two Tenors in Concert with Anthony Barrand" will be held at Tokorozawa Christ Church of Japan Baptist Convention.

Date and Time: Wed June 18, 2008  14:00 - 15:00
Place: Japan Baptist Convention Tokorozawa Christ Church
Performers: Barry Craft who is regarded as "one of the most sought-after singers of the current generation" (Tenor), Ben Owens who is called "an extremely versatile artist" (Tenor), and Anthony Barrand (Guest Artist, Accomplished Saxophonist).

Appreciation of this "Two Tenors in Concert with Anthony Barrand" at Tokorozawa Christ Church, Japan is free (No admission fee is required). But please note that "Tokorozawa Good News" says that "There is an offertory box. And the collected offertory on the day is going to be handed to them in gratitude."

The 28th of June, 2008

This year's Geino Seminar of Geino Gakkai is to have Ms. Keiko Herano, who has broken new ground in the field of the reciter's art in Japan as a "Kataribe (Katar-ist)" and received several awards, including the Grand Prize of Art Festival by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan (1997) and the Matsuo Performing Arts Outstanding Performance Award (2003), as a talker for a dialogue between her and Dr. Yoshihide Ito and a reciter for unfolding the world of the enduring narrative with the sheer verbal beauty of Japanese language (including the beauty of the sound of a phoneme and a syllable), that is, "The world of Katari of Keiko Hirano."

Auditing (Listening in) this Geino Seminar of Geino Gakka is free. Attendance and participation from among non-Society members who are interested in Japanese recitation arts are welcomed.

On the 11th of June, 2008

A Missionary Assembly is to be held at the Mankaku Temple (9-43 Me Otsu Banchi, Hirooka, Monzenmachi, Wajima-shi, Ishikawa Prefecture 927-2174 Japan), the resident priest of which is Rev. Kenjun Hirooka who is said to be "the greatest Fushidansekkyo preacher of the day."

A preaching only Rev. Yoshino would be capable of

Rev. Yoshino Sobue is a sole successor of the late Rev. Shonen Sobue. With the same mind and heart as he had, she looks straight at "Preaching the teachings" and "Saving people." In this respect, Rev. Shonen and Rev. Yoshino must be one all the way along. In terms of being female (or, that which is specific to Rev. Yoshino), however, Rev. Yoshino will pave a new path, and, in that sense, I hope and believe that Rev. Yoshino Sobue will someday be a "preacher" who is able to outshine Rev. Shonen Sobue.

Wednesday 23rd April, 2008

I thank to the "Japan Asia Fine Arts Association" for the letter accompanied by a program announcement on April's presentation by "Wa-gaku you."

Japanese traditional performing arts experience will be presented by "Wa-gaku you" at the Asian Culture Center of Japan Asia Fine Arts Association in Ginza, Tokyo at 19:30 on the 23rd of April, 2008. As mentioned in "Japan Asia Fine Arts Association introduces 'tangible and internalizingly sentient' works" last November, "Wa-gaku you" is a group formed by Japan's classical dancers and traditional musicians with the hope that "Japanese children who will lead the next would be able to cultivate their pride in their country and rich spirit through their actual experience with the beauty of Japanese traditional culture."

This forthcoming presentation by "Wa-gaku you" at the Asian Culture Center is a prior booking essential, fee-paid event with drinks (All proceeds will be used as the "Asian Children's Exchange Foundation" organized by NPO Japan Asia Fine Arts Association).
For a reservation and an inquiry, please contact Japan Asia Fine Arts Association.
Japan Asia Fine Arts Association official Web page "Specified Nonprofit Organization Japan Asia Fine Arts Association" [Japanese]
URL: http://www.j-asia.jp/

The "flower"

Furthermore, nothing succeeds without corresponding.
(From Zeami, Toyoichiro Nogami and Minoru Nishio nns., Fushikaden [Japan: Iwanami Bunko, Thirty-ninth Printing, 1989], p. 82.)

It is not necessarily the case that when a great Noh protagonist presents an impressive play, the "flower" comes to emerge and stir. As all are realized by the correlation of commensuration, so Noh is consummated by it. Zeami sets forth a theory that the true "flower" can only bloom in Noh ("realization") if the Noh perfectly corresponds to the "viewer" who takes it in and responds to it, the "place" where it is performed, etc. Being the expressioner with respect to one another, while having sufficient ability both as the expressioner and the expression reader, is what makes the "flower" emerge and stir.

Well, this spring I have begun to ask myself if I am receptive enough for corresponding.

My cordial gratitude

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the Reverend Gihaku Fugoshi. Having been given "The Kokyu (Yukihisa) Muto Collection of Preaching Scripts" DVD in six volumes (the February 6, 2008 edition), my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude. The Rev. Muto's collected digital photographic data of existing preaching scripts in temples around Japan have immeasurable value and bear significance for the study of Fushidansekkyo and researchers in that field. I cannot thank Rev. Fugoshi enough for providing me with the precious data.

For the conservation of preaching scripts in danger of disappearing, the late Reverend Kokyu (Yukihisa) Muto had started taking digital photos of remaining preaching scripts, one sheet by one sheet, whenever he found them at the temples which he visited on his missionary tours or he heard of the existence of them. Rev. Muto collected 221 copies (books) of existing preaching scripts by means of photorecording before his passing. I shall never cease to feel strong gratitude and great respect for Rev. Muto.

Best wishes for her continued success

I wish Rev. Keiko Washizaka, Resident Priest of Ganjo Temple (Nakatado County in Kagawa Prefecture), the best of success in her missionary work.

Sincerely

I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Jeremiah Morris from Japan.

Mr. Jeremiah Morris is a great person, who is noted for his WHPress fonts, programs, and other creative endeavors, including the software titled "AppearanceHopper." I am grateful to him for his kindness and generosity.

I learn a lot

Every time I hear Rev. Hazuka throwing light on "Preaching," I am impressed by his thought-provoking ideas.

The other day, Rev. Takakazu Hazuka exposited the "form" aspect of spoken language (the significance of telling words to a tune, the differences between the written words and the uttered words, the relation between preaching and Japan's traditional narrative arts, etc.) at the Renko Temple. And this passing Wednesday, Rev. Hazuka extended the exposition one step further, and got to the nub of the issue on "Sound" and "Rhythm," that is, the elements which played a considerable role in the conveyance of, as it were, an "unspoken" religious idea and human pathos and emotions, with concrete examples (raising the key of "the second [second-syllable] sound," etc.) and profoundly interesting cases (a "rhythm" that gives Japanese a feeling of exaltation, resemblances between such rhythms, etc.), at the Zentoku Temple in Gifu Prefecture. I was impressed with those which were set forth by Rev. Hazuka on the 6th of February, and I still ponder them after returning to Tokyo.

On February 27, 2008 at Monbou Kaikan
of the Hongwanji in Kyoto

On February 27th, a female preacher is going to ascend the pulpit (called "Koza") for the first time in Japan, though that will be realized in an "unofficial" form in a certain sense, specifically, in the form of an exercise during the "Fushidansekkyo Preacher Development Seminar," which will be held from February 26th through the 28th at Monbou Kaikan [Monbou Hall] of the Hongwanji (Nishi Hongwanji) in Kyoto. And, what is more, the female preacher will be Rev. Yoshino Sobue, a granddaughter of the late Reverend Shonen Sobue who has still been called "Japan's greatest preacher." I cannot help but be moved.

March, 2008 at Higashi Betsuin

The findings and research achievements of Rev. Yoshino Sobue is going to be presented as an exhibition "Heiwa Ten [Peace Exhibition]" by displaying them in an easy-to-understand and viewer-friendly way. The "Heiwa Ten" will be held at Higashi Betsuin (Shinshu Otani-ha Nagoya Betsuin) in March, 2008 [from March 18th (17th) to March 23rd (24th)].

The second installment of
Mr. Shuichi Ochi's serial essay

I thank to Mr. Shuichi Ochi for the February 2008 issue of RINRI (RINRI Institute of Ethics, journal sequential serial number 661) that includes Mr. Ochi's "The Sincerity of Kobayashi Hideo (2): Kobayashi Hideo and Aoyama Jiro," the very essay that I became eager to read soon after I had finished reading his first installment "The Sincerity of Kobayashi Hideo (1): Kobayashi Hideo and Nakahara Chuya." I will read it and ruminate on what Mr. Ochi has written during these Japanese consecutive holidays.

His solo work

Mr. Kenji Komatsu has started performing solo.

"Japan Evangelical Lutheran
Kouzouji Church"

Rev. Hiroshi Doi has set up a Web site.

Rev. Doi's Web site "Japan Evangelical Lutheran Kouzouji Church" [Japanese]
URL: http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/jelckouzouji

The 6th of February, 2008

The First Anniversary of the Reverend Yukihisa Muto's Passing Fushidansekkyo Missionary Meeting
Date and Time: Wed February 6, 2008  13:00 - 15:00
Place: Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji ha Zentoku-ji (Zentoku Temple)
Preachers: Rev. Gihaku Fugoshi (Higashi Honganji ha)

Rev. Takakazu Hazuka (Otani ha)

Rev. Hojo Matsushima (Hongwanji ha)

For inquiries, please contact Zentoku-ji (151 Nanasaki, Mizuho-shi, Gifu-ken 501-0301 Japan).

The 7th of February, 2008

Hongwanji Gifu Betsuin Fushidansekkyo Missionary Meeting
Date and Time: Thu February 6, 2008  13:50 - 16:00
Place: Hongwanji Gifu Betsuin
Preachers: Rev. Gihaku Fugoshi (Higashi Honganji ha)

Rev. Takakazu Hazuka (Otani ha)

Rev. Hojo Matsushima (Hongwanji ha)

For inquiries, please contact Gifu Betsuin (3-1 Nishinomachi, Gifu-shi, Gifu-ken 500-8882 Japan).

"The Sincerity of Kobayashi Hideo (1):
Kobayashi Hideo and Nakahara Chuya"

Without getting involved in an intellectual play, portraying a man who was bound to be "good" by focusing upon anecdotes of his fellowship with his friends is a primary objective of this serial in three installments.
("The Sincerity of Kobayashi Hideo (1)," RINRI, no. 660, p. 29, the top clumn)

I thank to Mr. Shuichi Ochi for the January 2008 issue of RINRI (RINRI Institute of Ethics, journal sequential serial number 660) that includes the first installment of Mr. Ochi's serial essay entitled "The Sincerity of Kobayashi Hideo." I will read it tonight.

at Nagoya-shi Josei Kaikan

On Saturday the 12th of January, 2008, the Reverend Yoshino Sobue will give a lecture at Nagoya-shi Josei Kaikan in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture.

January 12th, 2008 13:30 - 16:15
Yoshino Sobue "Women in Wartime: Role and Coercion"
Nagoya-shi Josei Kaikan (Nagoya City Women's Center)
Organizer: Aichi (Nagoya) Branch of the Council for Education and Study on Human Sexuality

Aichi (Nagoya) Branch Office of the Council for Education and Study on Human Sexuality will accept nonmember persons interested in listening in. But a ¥ 500 JPY attendance fee is required.

Nakano Vow's Bar

Last night, I went to a bar named "Vow's Bar" in Nakano, Tokyo for the first time, the barkeeper of which is a Shin Buddhist priest. It appeared to be a "modern refuge temple" for many a Japanese weary soul, though different opinions have been expressed by the yea-sayers and the nay-sayers regarding Buddhist priest's barkeeping.

The Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn

I had word that Ms. Kayoko Akimoto, Thai dancer, President of the specified nonprofit organization "Japan Asia Fine Arts Association," was awarded a medal of the Royal Decoration of the Commander (Fourth Class) of the Most Admirable Order of the Direkgunabhorn by the Kingdom of Thailand. I congratulate Ms. Kayoko Akimoto most sincerely on the signal honor.

at Taketoyo Central Community Center

On Saturday the 8th of December, 2007, the Reverend Yoshino Sobue will give a lecture at the auditorium of Taketoyo Central Community Center in Taketoyo-cho, Aichi Prefecture.

Japan's up-and-coming female Shin Buddhist priest, Rev. Yoshino Sobue, is going to address the issue that is somberly intertwined with Japan's past. The title for her lecture is "Women, children, and religion during the war time."

Also, she will deliver the speech at Nagoya Branch of the Council for Education and Study on Human Sexuality on the 12th of January, 2008.

Thursday 29th November, 2007

I thank to Mr. Shingo Shoji, General Secretary of the specified nonprofit organization "Japan Asia Fine Arts Association," Director of Asian Culture Center of Japan Asia Fine Arts Association, for the letter accompanied by a program announcement on "Wa-gaku you."

The "tangible and internalizingly sentient" traditional performing arts experience will be presented by "Wa-gaku you" at the Asian Culture Center of Japan Asia Fine Arts Association in Ginza, Tokyo at 19:30 on the 29th of November, 2007. "Wa-gaku you" is a group formed by Japan's classical dancers and traditional musicians with the hope that "Japanese children who will lead the next would be able to cultivate their pride in their country and rich spirit through their actual experience with the beauty of Japanese traditional culture." It is a part of the project on which Japan Asia Fine Arts Association has broken ground, the objective of which is to promote the appreciation of arts for the future young people.

This forthcoming presentation by "Wa-gaku you" at the Asian Culture Center is a prior booking essential, fee-paid event with drinks.
For a reservation and an inquiry, please contact Japan Asia Fine Arts Association.
Japan Asia Fine Arts Association official Web page "Specified Nonprofit Organization Japan Asia Fine Arts Association" [Japanese]
URL: http://www.j-asia.jp/

at the Lecture Hall of Kanda Gaigo Gakuin

On Saturday the 15th of December, 2007, the annual meeting for reading research papers will be held by Geino Gakkai [The Society of Performing Arts, The founder: Dr. Shinobu Orikuchi (d. 1953) ] at the Lecture Hall of the main building of Kanda Gaigo Gakuin [Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages].

Part I: Presentation of Research Papers and Report 11:00 - 14:40
11:00 - 12:20
"Jizo-bon on Osaki Kamijima (Osaki Kami Island), Hiroshima Prefecture" by Maki Abe (Doctoral student at the Graduate University for Advanced Studies [Sokendai])
"The present state of the English Pageant" by Ritsuko Ono (Teacher at Keio Senior High School)
-- A sixty-minute recess (lunch) --
13:20 - 14:00
"The Structure of the Drum Performing Arts: from a perspective of Performance Studies" by Hideyo Konagaya (Associate Professor at Siebold University of Nagasaki)
14:00 - 14:40
A Report on the treaty related to the protection (preservation) of the Intangible Cultural Heritage by Junko Yoshida (Cultural Property Examiner at the Agency for Cultural Affairs)
-- A twenty-minute recess --
Part II: Lecture and Demonstrative Performance 15:00 - 16:30
Lecture 15:00 - 15:45
"Kanda Myojin and the Legend of Taira no Masakodo" by Koichi Ikeda (Professor Emeritus at Kanda University of International Studies)
Performance 16:00 - 16:30
The ballad "Shinobiyoru Koi ha Kusemono (Masakado)" by Tokiwazu Matsuodayu (joruri), Tokiwazu Matsukidayu (joruri), Minokichi Kishizawa (samisen), Shikimatsu Kishizawa (samisen), and Yuki Katsumi (dance).

Auditing (Listening in) this entire meeting of Geino Gakka is free (No fee). Attendance and participation in this meeting from among non-Society members who are interested in Japanese performing arts are welcomed.

The 23rd of November, 2007

The Kansai region
Date and Time: Fri November 23, 2007  19:00 - 21:00
Place: Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji ha Joso-ji (Joso Temple)
Preachers: Rev. Kenjun Hirooka (Otani ha)

Rev. Gihaku Fugoshi (Higashi Honganji ha)

For inquiries, please contact Joso-ji (4-19 Miyukicho, Otsu-shi, Shiga-ken 520-0057 Japan).

The 20th of October, 2007

The Tokyo region
Date and Time: Sat October 20, 2007  18:00 - 20:00
Place: Monpo Hall of Tsukuji Hongwanji (Hongwanji Tsukiji Betsuin)
Preachers: Rev. Jisho Taniguchi (Hongwanji ha)

Rev. Gihaku Fugoshi (Higashi Honganji ha)

Other priests

For inquiries, please contact the Office of Fushidansekkyo Kenkyu Kai (Honjo-ji Kaikyoin 798-1 Nagafusamachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193-0824 Japan).

I am going to read it right away

I thank to Mr. Shuichi Ochi for sending me his paper entitled "Kobayashi Hideo no 'Watashi' nitsuiteno Ichi Kosatsu [An Inquiry on Hideo Kabayashi's 'I']" (Rinri Institute of Ethics, Rinri Kenkyujo Kiyo, XVI, 2007) and letter accompanied by an announcement on the 18th Public Lecture of the Society for Mind-Body Science with Mr. Ochi as moderator. Well, I am going to read Mr. Ochi's paper right away.

The 18th Public Lecture of the Society for Mind-Body Science
Date and Time: Sat July 14, 2007  14:00 - 17:30
Place: Rinsho Kodo 1 of Tokyo Women's Medical University
Lecture 1 "Sozoteki Shintai Hyogen no Sekai [The World of Creative Body Expression]" by Junko Harada (Study of Dance, Associate Professor at Osaka Jogakuin College)
Lecture 2 "Karada to Kokoro no Kankei wo Kangaeru [On the Relation between Body and Mind]" by Yutaka Haruki (Physical Psychology, Behavioral Study, Professor Emeritus at Waseda University)

Though short notice, the announcement says that participants from the general public are welcomed. But a ¥ 2,000 JPY attendance fee is required.

The 22nd of September in 2007

An exposition of a traditional Tibetan Thangka (a religious iconographic scroll painting) by a Lama Mani (a religious storyteller, using a Thangka painting [or Thangka paintings] to supplement his or her teaching and to tell a story [or stories] from among the stories of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in a view to increasing understanding of the audiences on the Buddhist principles and values) will be given during the event, "An Exposition of a Tibetan Thangka by a Lama Mani in Japan for the first time: A rare Lama Mani that carries on the tradition of Tibetan Thangka Etoki, and Etoki in Japan," as a part of the "project in commemoration of the 7-year installation of the Zenkoji Nyorai in Saihou Temple." ⁽¹⁾

The Tibetan Thangka Etoki and Japanese Etoki themed event
Date and Time: Sat September 22, 2007  15:00 - 17:00
Place: Main Hall of Saihou Temple (Anyozan Gokurakuin Saihouji) in Nagano
Narrators: Ms. Tsering Dolma, Lama Mani (who is expected to visit Japan)

Ms. Shigeko Takesawa (Saiko Temple [Karukayasan Saikoji] in Nagano)

Ms. Reiko Kobayashi (Rekishi no Machi Nagano wo Tsumugu Kai)

iTunes U has arrived!

I am delighted at the arrival of Apple's iTunes U program and thank Universities on iTunes U, including Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and Duke University, for their providing access to their digital audio or video content (course materials, faculty lectures by the world's leading scholars, interviews, and more) for free. They are wonderful!

June 30th, 2007

Rev. Takakazu Hazuka has told me that Dr. Sekiyama Kazuo's dialogue will be rebroadcast on NHK radio. Thank you very much.

The rebroadcasting of Dr. Kazuo Sekiyama's dialogue
Date: Saturday, June 30, 2007
Start Hour: 14:05 (JST) on NHK radio

Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th July, 2007

I thank to Mr. Toshiaki Kamijima, Representative of Asakusa Zatsugeidan, for the letter accompanied by a program announcement on "Shin Kamishibai Soseiki."

The program titled "Shin Kamishibai Soseiki [New Picture-card show Genesis]" will be on at the Asakusa Mokubatei theater at 18:00 on 7th and 8th July, 2007.

Part I - Preceding performing arts before Kamishibai
Nozoki Karakuri "Yaoya Oshichi" by Asakusa Zatsugeidan
Edo Utsushie "Kokkei Daruma Yowa" by the Minwaza company
Time-honored street Kamishibai "Ogon Batto" by Masao Morishita
Part II - Kamishibai for the 21st century
"Dakatsu hime to Zankimaru" by Yoji Kanda and Mitsuhiro Kashiwabara
Organizer: Sakano Hiroshi Daidogei Juku (Asakusa Zatsugeidan)
Co-organizers: Zankimaru Project, Gekidan "Minwaza"
Collaborators: Etoki Kenkyukai, Misemono Gakkai

This "Shin Kamishibai Soseiki" program at the Asakusa Mokubatei theater is a fee-paid event, and the audiences have to purchase tickets.
Asakusa Zatsugeidan official Web page Asakusa Zatsugeidan [Japanese]
URL: http://www.t3.rim.or.jp/~noborugu/zatugeidan.html

The Reverend Yoshino Sobue

At no time did the sky look so perfect as in the morning of today, for I was able to find the words "preaching" and "propagation" coming from the Reverend Yoshino Sobue for the first time after eleven years since the passing of the Reverend Shonen Sobue, her grandfather who was called "Japan's greatest preacher" and "Master of Preaching" in Japan.

Dear Reverend Yoshino, please do deliver the "true teaching" and your grandfather's "heart and mind" to us.

The 3rd of July in 2007

I am grateful to Rev. Gihaku Fugoshi, General Secretary of Fushidansekkyo Kenkyu Kai, for the letter accompanied by a detailed program announcement on Fushidansekkyo Fukyo Taikai, which I received today. Seeing the enclosed poster with a pithy phrase "With rousing uke nembutsu, stirring sermons!" makes my heart leap with delight.

Fushidansekkyo Missionary Meeting will be held at Tsukiji Hongwanji in Tokyo on July 3, 2007. Dr. Kazuo Sekiyama who is the leading authority on Fushidansekkyo and the foremost preachers will cross-denominationally get together for Fushidansekkyo preaching. Happy shall be the attendees who have such a uniquely organized opportunity as will enable them to hear the sermons of masters of preaching beyond denominational line.

Fushidansekkyo Fukyo Taikai [Fushidansekkyo Missionary Meeting]
Date and Time: Tue July 3, 2007  10:00 - 15:30
Place: Tsukuji Hongwanji in Tokyo

(the No. 1 Main Hall and the No. 2 Monpo Hall)

Organizer: Fushidansekkyo Kenkyu Kai
Co-organizer: Tokyo Shinran Kai
Sponsors: Ryukoku University

Bukkyo University

Tsukiji Hongwanji

Co-sponsors: Society for the Promotion of Buddhism

Dr. Kazuo Sekiyama (Professor Emeritus at Bukkyo University),
Rev. Kenjun Hirooka (Otani ha Mankaku-ji, Resident Priest, Ishikawa prf),
Rev. Kosho Sasaki (Hongwanji ha Joho-ji, Resident Priest, Kumamoto prf),
Rev. Shujo Fujino (Otani ha Jonen-ji, Resident Priest, Shiga prf),
Rev. Hojo Matsushima (Hongwanji ha Senpuku-ji, Resident Priest, Hyogo prf),
Rev. Shinsei Mori (Otani ha Zengyo-ji, Resident Priest, Toyama prf),
Rev. Jisho Taniguchi (Hongwanji ha Matsuo-ji, Minister, Chiba prf),
Rev. Haruaki Naobayashi (Hongwanji ha Joso-ji, Jizoku [Temple Family], Shiga prf),
and Rev. Gihaku Fugoshi (Higashi Honganji ha Honjo-ji, Resident Priest, Tokyo).

Needless to say, it is an "open door" event.

The 12th of May in 2007

Having Professor Masahiko Hayashi (Meiji University) as a coordinator, who is the foremost authority in the field of Etoki study, and Professor Jeon Yull Park (Chung-Ang University) as a guest, who is renowned for his study of "Ritual Visitors" or "Strolling Players," from Korea, the lecture entitled "The World of Popular Performing Arts: Kamishibai, Etoki, and Sekkyo joruri" will be held at the Meiji University Liberty Academy Hall on the 12th of May, 2007, with the keywords "Etoki ," "Kumano ," and "Shodo ." It is a wonderful open lecture that allows us to take in the fascination of these performing arts closely.

"The World of Popular Performing Arts: Kamishibai, Etoki, and Sekkyo joruri"
Date and Time: Sat May 12, 2007  13:00 - 16:00 (Doors open at 12:30)
Place: Meiji University Academy Hall (Meiji University Academy Common 3F)
Organizers: Meiji University Liberty Academy

 The Study Group of "Nihon to Eurasia —Koryu to Hyosho"

 Kokusai Kumano Gakkai

 Etoki Kenkyukai

The above organizers are to give this lecture in complete openness for those who are interested in Etoki, Kumano, Shodo, Kamishibai, and Sekkyo joruri. But you need to apply in advance to participate and the attendance fee is required. The Office of the Meiji University Liberty Academy will accept the first 1000 persons. The cost of attending is 1,000 yen [JPY] for this 3-hour lecture (demonstrations by performers are also included).

To be aired on April 14th, 2007

Rev. Takakazu Hazuka has told me that Dr. Kazuo Sekiyama's "Preaching and Oral Performing Arts" is going to be broadcast nationwide over NHK Radio 1.
Thank you very much. I will definitely listen to it.

Dr. Kazuo Sekiyama "Preaching and Oral Performing Arts"
Date and Hour: Saturday, April 14, 2007, 13:00-14:00 (JST) on NHK radio 1

"A time of delight and significance"

Thanks to the Reverend keien Ito and Mrs. Ito's efforts, the date of the meeting have officially been set.

Date: Friday March 23, 2007
Start Time: 18:30 (time in 18:00)
Place: KIHACHI in Ginza, Tokyo

To those who have studied together
in Study of Religion

The Reverend keien Ito (Tendai Buddhism) is making substantive organizing efforts toward the realization of the opening of the meeting in March, 2007.

So I would like to ask for everyone's cooperation.

Problems and inconveniences had occurred

I requested my current web hosting provider to upgrade my web hosting plan on January 18, 2007. Only my plan was changed, and my domain name and every URL of the pages on www.hdever.com remain the same.

Problems and inconveniences, however, occurred during the period from the end of server switching (at about 3 pm JST, January 18, 2007) through until the completion of the settings necessary in the new web hosting plan and of the upload of all the files onto the new server (at about 6 am JST, January 20, 2007), and resulted in a "404 Error" and "Mail System Error (Returned Mail)." Put simply, all the pages of www.hdever.com and e-mail accounts had disappeared from the Internet for hours.

I am still checking if there are the images and related files that I have forgotten to upload. I thank you for your understanding in this matter.

The 17th of January, 2007

The Reverend Professor Daiji Yamanoi will give his final lecture on the 17th of January, 2007.

Rev. Professor Daiji Yamanoi (Study of Religion)
"Zenkoji Belief and A Hibutsu [Hidden Image of Buddha] "
Wed January 17, 2007, 16:00 - 17:30,
Lecture Room 312 of the 3rd building in the Sugamo Campus of Taisho University in Tokyo.

I am among those many who are deeply grateful to Professor Daiji Yamanoi and have revered Professor Daiji Yamanoi.

The band name is ed

How Mr. Komatsu's "sound" has changed, with every happiness that Mrs. Komatsu brings, since their wedding vows?

On Saturday, January 13, 2007 at dress TOKYO in Akihabara, Tokyo.
"be progressive"
Artists: FROGFLAVOR, ed +T, DICE GAME
Start Time: 19:00 (Doors open 30 minutes before start time)

dress TOKYO Monthly Schedule: January 2007 [Japanese]
URL: http://www.dress-tokyo.com/top/liveschedule/sche.cgi?ym=200701

Masahiko Hayashi ed.,
Sangaku Reijo to Etoki

My heart goes out to "Kumano ," with all these beautiful graphical data and excellent report contents, including Professor Masahiko Hayashi's "Nihon no Etoki," before me, which are included in Masahiko Hayashi ed., Ningen Bunka Kenkyukiko Rentaikenkyu "Nihon to Eurasia: Koryu to Hyosho" Hokokusho —Sangaku Reijo to Etoki [A Report of the Collaborative Research Project of Research Institute for Humanity and Culture "Japan and Eurasia: Interaction and Representation": The Mountain Sacred Sites and Etoki] that is the report on "'Nihon no Etoki' Summit" held in March, 2006 (Hosted by Kokusai Kumano Gakkai [International Kumano Society] and Meiji University Liberty Academy. Co-hosted by Etoki Kenkyukai [Research Group on Etoki] and the Study Group of "Nihon to Eurasia: Koryu to Hyosho.").

Japanese audience who appears not to comprehend Japanese performance

There was a thought-provoking subject in Mr. Shintaro Fujiyama's talk after his beautiful conjuring demonstration at the annual meeting of Geino Gakkai for reading research papers on the 9th of December, 2006 as follows:

As for "Japanese performance" in general, when asked what it is like, "It is like this, please see this" or "Please feel it" used to suffice as the answer to Japanese audience and through "seeing" and "feeling" the performance the audience could understand and appreciate it, including a certain "emotional aspect" and "story" expressed in it. Japanese audience today appears, however, not to comprehend "Japanese performance" if not started with getting it into their head (intellectual comprehension of it) by being given a clear, reasoned exposition.

That was not good news, for I see about "to feel" something residing "outside" the consistency. It would be regrettable if that led to "having forgotten to feel, though endowed with reason."

I am delighted to hear of his continued success
across the various disciplines

Yesterday, I received a recently-published book, Kochi-bon Shokanron Yoryaku co-authored by Yasue Jin and Shuichi Ochi and Motoo Nagasawa (Japan: Taniguchi Shoten, 2006), from Mr. Shuichi Ochi, and gratefully read his "On Kobunjigaku" in it.

Mr. Shuichi Ochi has already written his co-authored books, Seijatachi no India [Saints' India] (Japan: Shunju Sha, 2002) and Kagaku to Spirituality no Jidai [The Era of Science and Spirituality] (Japan: Being Net Press, 2005), and his joint translation of Jung's Psychology and Tibetan Buddhism: Western and Eastern Paths to the Heart by Radmila Moacanin (Japan: Being Net Press, 2002) and has now published his "On Kobunjigaku" in this Oriental Medicine-related book Kochi-bon Shokanron Yoryaku [The Gist of the Kochi edition of the Shang Han Lun]. Mr. Ochi's distinctive "stance" emerges therein.

Congratulations on his fourth publication. Best wishes for his continued success!

The reverend's stage name is "Nigiwai-tei Maruhachi"

The newspaper article on the Reverend Hazuka's rakugo, "A Resident Priest Makes His Rakugo Debut Tomorrow," appeared in a regional edition of the Asahi Shimbun (Asahi Shinbun). I will quote (and translate) below from its Web version (Asahi.com: My Town: Aichi: November 8, 2006).

Mr. Takakazu Hazuka (age 59), resident priest of Joshin Temple in Meieki 5 chome, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, will give his first classical rakugo talk as a rakugo-ka on the 9th in his temple's Hoonko service. (snip) In the upcoming Hoonko service, after Fushidansekkyo sermon, the reverend is going to make his debut as a comic storyteller named "Nigiwai-tei Maruhachi" with his classical rakugo "Shikasei dan."

"A Resident Priest Makes His Rakugo Debut Tomorrow" [Japanese]
(Asahi.com: My Town: Aichi: November 8, 2006)
URL: http://mytown.asahi.com/aichi/news.php?k_id=24000000611080002

at Shinjuku Historical Museum

On Saturday the 9th of December, 2006, the annual meeting of Geino Gakkai for reading research papers will be held by Geino Gakkai [The Society of Performing Arts] at Shinjuku Historical Museum in Tokyo.

Presentation of Research Papers 10:30 - 12:30
1. "From Folk Custom of Putting On the Vesture of the Dead To Shura Noh " by Kazuhiko Masuda (Staff of Modern Science Museum of Tokyo University of Science)
2. "The Editorial Intention of Matsu no Ha : Nagauta, Hauta and Azuma Joruri" by Nobuko Umezawa (Adjunct Lecturer at Kokushikan University)
3. "A Perspective On the Representation of 'Otoko Mai '" by Hiroyo Naito [Naitou] (Collateral Lecturer at Kokugakuin University)
Demonstrative Performance 13:30 - 14:45
"Tezuma [Conjuring] of Edo and Its Inside Story"
Performer: Shintaro Fujiyama (Conjurer, 1998 Grand Prize Winner of Art Festival by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan)
Appreciator: Masahiro Nishitsunoi (Member of the Planning Steering Committee of Geino Gakkai)
Lecture 15:00 - 16:30
"World Intangible Cultural Asset and Kabuki "
by Toshio Kawatake (Professor Emeritus at Waseda University, President of Japan Theater Arts Association [JTAA])

Auditing (Listening in) this entire meeting of Geino Gakka is free (no fee). Attendance and participation in this meeting from among non-Society members who are interested in Japanese performing arts are welcomed.

You find yourself humming

Although a scolding, "It's disgraceful to hum a tune of sacred songs lightly," might be given from those who are in holy orders, one of my friends, who is a Christian, says that she finds herself humming a hymn when in everyday life something good happens or she feels good and happy. Now, each of you Buddhists out there also has a Buddhist hymn or a Buddhist denominational song which you find yourself humming when in your day-to-day living a good thing happens or you feel good and happy?

Hoonko Service

Hoonko , also called "Goshoki" or "Oshichiya" or "Oshimotsuki" , is a Buddhist service that is held prior to and on the memorial day for the founder of Shin Buddhism, Shinran Shonin, who departed this life on the 28th of November in the second year of kocho [1262].

Hoonko service is held to express gratitude and reverence toward the founder for eight days and nights from November 21 to November 28 or from January 9 to January 16 (on the grounds that "the 28th of November in 1262" in luni-solar terms should be "the 16th of January in 1263" in solar terms).

The modality of Kaimyo
that is being diluted into thin air

Masao Fujii, Kaimyo no Hanashi (Japan: Yoshikawa-Kobunkan, 2006), p. 1.

(quote/tr.) Kaimyo is intrinsically a name for a shukke [one who has renounced the world to become a monk or nun] that is given when he accepts the Buddhist precepts and disciplines necessary for the practices. Later, that "Kaimyo" has varied into what is taken as referring to a type of name for a lay person that is given in his last extremity as a disciple of Buddha. (end quote/tr.)

Having read Professor Masao Fujii's Kaimyo no Hanashi [Account of Posthumous Buddhist Name] (Japan: Yoshikawa-Kobunkan, 2006) in which Professor Fujii, from the perspective of Japanese culture with an emphasis on cultural context, sets forth why "Kaimyo issues" have developed into contemporary problems (social issues) and where the problems really lie and how the issues can be resolved, I came to ponder on "what Kaimyo is" and the "Kaimyo issues" for the first time.

At the Higashi Honganji Shinsyu Kaikan (Shinshu Kaikan) in Tokyo on February 25th, 2007

I am delighted at hearing that the Reverend Takakazu Hazuka's next performing in Tokyo is scheduled for February 2007.

The Reverend Hazuka is to deliver his Fushidansekkyo "The Treasury of Loyal Retainers" and "Mountain Priest Bennen" at the Higashi Honganji Shinsyu Kaikan (Shinshu Kaikan) in Nerima, Tokyo on February 25th, 2007.
I look forward to the detailed information, including the scheduled start time, being announced.

September 23

"Higan " literally means "that shore" or "the other shore." As represented as the "western shore" that exists in the parable of "Niga Byakudo [Two Rivers and a White Path]" in Chinese Pure Land master Shan-tao's Kangyo sho (Ch. Kuan ching shu, Eng. Commentary on the Meditation Sutra), "that shore" denotes the world of Nirvana. In this way, the term "Higan" refers to "reaching that shore of Nirvana, after leaving this shore of life and death" (Skt. paramita, Jp. tohigan). Buddhist Temples throughout Japan observe Higane [Higan Service] of seven days (counting three days, to each of which one of the six paramitas is assigned, at each end of the Autumnal Equinox Day designated as the central day as well as the Vernal Equinox Day). Although the implications of the Higan Service derives from the Buddhist scriptures and commentaries and is Buddhist-scripturally motivated, yet it is said that it is common to look upon the Higan Service as a uniquely developed observance in Japan that has been seen neither in India nor in China. Japanese Buddhists visit the temple or cemetery and pay respect in large part to their ancestors or in some instances to the persons who had come into their lives and made a difference in their lives.

At the Renko Temple on September 23rd, 2006

I am very pleased indeed to hear that the Reverend Takakazu Hazuka is coming to Tokyo.

The Reverend Takakazu Hazuka will deliver a Fushidansekkyo sermon at the Renko Temple (Otani-ha of Shin Buddhism) in Katsushika, Tokyo on the afternoon of the 23rd of September, 2006.
Shinshu Otani-ha Renko-ji Homepage "Anakashiko Web" [Japanese]
URL: http://www.renkoji.jp/

My sincere gratitude
to The Reverend Yukihisa Muto

The Reverend Yukihisa Muto, Resident Priest of Zentoku Temple, made the CDs which contained a precious record of the Reverend Shonen Sobue's Fushidansekkyo, namely, "Honen Shonin Goichidaiki" that is six episodes long, and kindly sent them to me. Listening to the CDs every night, I have spent wonderful evenings.

I am most grateful to the Reverend Yukihisa Muto.

July 15 or August 15

The occasion of "Urabon," which is called Kangi-e or Urabon-e in Japan, has its origin in the Urabon-kyo (Ullambana Sutra). The Urabon-kyo reads as follows: One of Shakyamuni Buddha's disciples Maudgalyayana (Mokuren) had just "attained the ability to see and hear various happenings in the world of the afterlife" [the six penetrations]. "With this new vision, he found to his surprise that his mother was suffering from agony in the realm of hungry ghosts (Skt. preta, Jp. gaki)," and wished to relieve her so that he might repay the debt to his father and mother. When he tried to feed his mother a bowl of food, food turned into flames before it entered her mouth, and she could not take a single bite. Maudgalyayana in his intense sorrow asked the Buddha to instruct him on how to save her. The Buddha suggested to him that "on july 15, when many monks were going to meet together after a long session of retreat for the rainy season, he should offer them food [the basins full of hundreds of flavors and the five fruits and so forth provided with every lusciousness available in the world] with reverence and a pure heart," for the sake of fathers and mothers who were in distress as far back as seven generations, and also to the assembled monks that they should give their prayers for those fathers and mothers in almsgiver's family before accepting the food. "When this offering was made, Maudgalyayana's mother would gain deliverance from the pain of hell."
cf. Masao Fujii comp. and ed., Bukkyogirei Jiten, Fourteenth Printing (Japan: Tokyodo Shuppan, 1992), Sho-on Hattori, A Raft From the Other Shore: Honen and the way of Pure Land Buddhism (Japan: Jodo Shu Press, 2000).

In 2007

The Reverend Yukihisa Muto, Resident Priest of Zentoku Temple, told me that there were a proposed schedule for a cross-denominational [Otani denomination and Hongwanji denomination of Shin Buddhism] missionary meeting through Fushidansekkyo at Tsukiji Hongwanji in Tokyo on the 3rd of July, 2007 and two plans for Hongwanji denominational missionary meetings by Fushidansekkyo - at Gifu Betsuin in Gifu City on the 21st of April, 2007 and at Suminobo Betsuin in Kyoto on the 2nd of September, 2007. I am excited about these events.

The detailed programs and schedules will be announced on the Reverend Muto's website or blog in the future. I look forward to them being publicized.

There was the first official announcement as to the cross-denominational missionary meeting through Fushidansekkyo at Tsukiji Hongwanji on July 3, 2007 in the article of August 13, 2006 on the Reverend Muto's "Tirara's Soliloquy" Blog. [Japanese]
URL: http://tirara.at.webry.info/200608/article_4.html

July 10

I quote (and translate) below from Bukkyogirei Jiten (Japan: Tokyodo Shuppan, Fourteenth Printing, 1992) that Professor Masao Fujii has compiled.

(quote/tr.) "Shiman-rokusen nichi " originated in the notion that the Merit of visiting Senso Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo on the 10th of July is equated with that of visiting it forty-six thousand times [the forty-six thousand days' Merit] and is also called "Shiman-rokusen mairi." This is one of the auspicious days in terms of Kannon [Avolokitesvara] belief. (...) There used to be the "red corn" sold at many booths on the premises of Senso Temple and people who visited the temple bought it as a talisman to ward off lightning strike, and it was replaced by tea whisks at a later time. Today, there is a row of booths selling hozuki [ground cherry] pods and they call it "Hozuki ichi." It is generally believed that hanging tomatoes of hozuki at home after they have been shade-dried is to use magic against vermin. (end quote/tr.)

Getting into the World of Kodan
Geino Seminar of Geino Gakkai

On Saturday the 17th of June, 2006, Geino Seminar [Performing Arts Seminar] on the theme of "Wagei Wajutsu no Myo wo Saguru" will be held by Geino Gakkai [The Society of Performing Arts] at the Lecture Hall of the main building of Kanda Gaigo Gakuin [Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages].

Auditing (Listening in) this seminar, the objective of which is to fathom the exquisitness of the art of oracy and narrative power in the Japanese language in the world of Kodan, is free (no fee). Attendance and participation in this seminar from among non-Society members who are interested in Japanese oral performing arts are welcomed.

Kokusai Kumano Gakkai in 2006

From Saturday the 13th of May to Monday the 15th of May, Kokusai Kumano Gakkai [International Kumano Society] in 2006 will be held at Academy Common of Surugadai Campus of Meiji University.
Hosted by Kokusai Kumano Gakkai and Meiji University Liberty Academy.
Co-hosted by the Study Group of "Nihon to Eurasia —Koryu to Hyosho [Japan and Eurasia: Interaction and Representation]" and Etoki Kenkyukai [Research Group on Etoki].

Kokusai Kumano Gakkai in 2006 is to give its 3-day academic convention in complete openness for those who are interested in "Kumano ." But you need to apply in advance to participate and the attendance fee is required. The cost of attending is 2,000 yen [JPY] (including material fee) for three days of this academic convention.

"Kokoro no Hitotsugane"

I will quote (and translate) below from Dr. Yukihiro Kurasawa's Geido no Tetsugaku - Shukyo to Gei no Sosoku [The Philosophy of the Path of Art: Religion and Art in interactive accordance with one another] (Japan: Toho Shuppan, 1983), pp. 94-95.

(quote/tr.) Although the creation and the formation of a new idiom are to create something new that has not been around before, yet it must be the essence of them that "kokoro no hitotsugane" expresses itself with a new "shape." Basically, in the creation, the "shape" will be changed, while "kokoro no hitotsugane" won't be changed, or rather, it must not be changed. Seen in this light, "kokoro no hitotsugane" is that which is eternally old. The true meaning of creation is that "kokoro no hitotsugane" goes about expressing itself, taking a new "shape" constantly. (end quote/tr.)

How do you see an "invention" and "innovation" in the path of art?

Song by Robin Hackett to debut on CBS

As word came that her song, Hard Left, would debut on the hit CBS comedy series "How I Met Your Mother" on April 10, 2006 at 7:30 PM (CST), I would like to convey this great news. Congratulations!
Fans of Robin Hackett in Japan are looking forward to the song's debut on Japanese television.

Sumpu Museum

"The Creative Block Print Exhibition" began on the 18th of February at Sumpu Meseum that has been committed to collecting the works of art created by the woodblock artists from Shizuoka as a part of their project. This exhibition is to be held until the 12th of March, 2006.

I don't mean to be too personal, but the work of my grandfather (the late oil painter Toshizo Suzuki) is displayed in the exhibition. It would be delightful if someone could enjoy looking at my grandfather's early Showa period work, the print "Fukei" [Landscape], which was accepted at the Exhibition of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts (Teikoku Bijutsuin Tenrankai abbreviated to Teiten).

"Let's Learn Fushidan Preaching on the Blog"

Thanks to the Reverend Hazuka, I could find the blog which set up a "Fushidan program" (free Fushidansekkyo-related lectures) on the Internet. It is the Blog "Tirara's Soliloquy" of the Reverend Yukihisa Muto, Resident Priest of Zentoku Temple, of Shin Buddhism Hongwanji-ha. As of today, the Reverend Muto has already written nineteen online articles on the script for preaching.

You will be able to learn Fushidansekkyo on his blog, while reading his teaching materials and his open and clear guiding.
The Reverend Muto "Let's Learn Fushidan on the Blog" [Japanese]
URL: http://tirara.at.webry.info/
Zentoku Temple Homepage [Japanese]
URL: http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~zentoku/index.htm

Professor Masahiko Hayashi at Meiji University
His Keynote Speech "Nihon no Etoki"

On the 12th of March, 2006, starting with the keynote speach "Nihon no Etoki" delivered by Professor Masahiko Hayashi, who is the foremost authority in the field of Etoki study, "'Nihon no Etoki' Summit" will be held at the Meiji University Liberty Academy Hall. It is a wonderful open lecture that allows us to have an opportunity to learn the most recent researches of the leading scholars presenting a panel discussion regarding Etoki that has fostered Japanese view of life and nurtured Japanese vision of the world, while also letting us have firsthand experience of Etoki rendered by the performers.

The Office of the Meiji University Liberty Academy is to start accepting the first 1000 persons on and after Monday the 13th of February, 2006.

"'Fushidan' shall be Revived"

Mr. Sekiguchi of "Seichijunrei" told me that his friend, the Reverend Koji Taniguchi of Shin Buddhism Hongwanji-ha, is giving Fushidansekkyo sermons to the congregation. So I jumped.

Mr. Sekiguchi also told me that the Reverend Taniguchi is the author (the editorial supervisor: Kazuo Sekiyama) of "Fushidan" ha Yomigaeru - Yahari Sekkyo ha Shichigocho ["Fushidan" shall be Revived: Preaching must be Presented in Seven-and-Fve Syllable Meter] (Japan: Hakuba Sha, 2004). I would like to read it right away.

The Reverend Takakazu Hazuka's Fushidansekkyo

I was so delighted again by hearing that the Reverend Takakazu Hazuka, Resident Priest of Joshin Temple, had once again given a Fushidansekkyo sermon to his congregation during the Hoonko Services this year.

On the website of the Reverend Takakazu Hazuka of Shin Buddhism Otani-ha, you will be able to watch his Fushidansekkyo "The Treasury of Loyal Retainers (the Forty-Seven Ronin)."
Windows Media Player - Fushidansekkyo "The Treasury of Loyal Retainers" by the Reverend Hazuka [Japanese] (Auto Start)
URL: http://jiin.cocona.jp/houonkou05.htm
RealPlayer - Fushidansekkyo "The Treasury of Loyal Retainers" by the Reverend Hazuka [Japanese] (Auto Start)
URL: http://jiin.cocona.jp/teraokarl.htm

The Sodality of Rising of Fushidansekkyo

My heart leapt when I heard about the presence of "Fushidansekkyo Koryu Kai [The Sodality of Rising of Fushidansekkyo]."

It is not Fushidansekkyo of Shin Buddhism, but "Fushidansekkyo" (Preaching of Pathos) by the Reverend Ryuua Shibuya, the Reverend Syunkou Masuda and other Shingon Buddhism Buzan-ha priests.
Fushidansekkyo Koryu Kai [The Sodality of Rising of Fushidansekkyo] [Japanese] created by the Reverend Ryuua Shibuya and other Shingon Buddhism Buzan-ha priests who pursue a soul-awakening preaching.
URL: http://princo.fc2web.com/hushidan.htm
on the Reverend Syunkou Masuda's website Shidosso Princo! [Japanese]
URL: http://princo.fc2web.com/

The Record of the Hoonko Services at the Joshin Temple in 2004

I am delighted by hearing that the Reverend Takakazu Hazuka, Resident Priest of Joshin Temple, gave a Fushidansekkyo sermon to his congregation during the Hoonko Services in 2004. This is inspiring news.

On the website of the Reverend Takakazu Hazuka of Shin Buddhism Otani-ha, you will be able to watch his Fushidansekkyo "Mountain Priest Bennen."
Video - Fushidansekkyo "Mountain Priest Bennen" by the Reverend Hazuka [Japanese] (On the page that the link represents, you will have a choice between RealPlayer and Windows Media Player.)
URL: http://www.jiin.or.jp/2004/houonkou.htm
on Joshin Temple Homepage [Japanese]
URL: http://www.jiin.or.jp/

"Feeling" the Teachings and
"Feeling" the Words

On www.hdever.com, there are many material files which highlight the sound and melodious quality in the sermon, such as the "tune" of Fushidansekkyo and the "key" of Gospel Mission Work. Yet I am not merely saying that preaching with tune is good and that preaching with music is good. What I am trying to do is to bring the significance of hearing a sermon in one's heart, not in one's head, that is, "feeling" the teachings and the words or "experiencing" the teachings and the words, into question.