Shu News Published by the Head Office of Nichiren Shu & NOPPA

No. 192 October 1, 2012 The Oeshiki Memorial Service of Nichiren Shonin Minobusan in accordance to his written will. His disciples left Ikegami with his A ashes on the 19th, and arrived at Mino- B busan on the 23rd, Nichiren Shonin’s ashes were interred on the 26th of the tenth month. (There is another account that says the party left on the 21st, arrived at Minobu on the 25th, and the burial was on the 100th memorial day). “Nichiren Shonin Chugasan” is an il- lustrated biography of Nichiren Shonin that was drawn in the Muromachi Period and is preserved at Honkokuji Temple in Kyoto. It minutely depicts Nichiren Shonin's Funeral Procession (From Nichiren Shonin Nichiro Shonin (A) on the far left and Nissho Shonin (B) on the far Chugasan, preserved at Honkokuji Temple, Kyoto) right, carrying Nichiren Shonin's coffin Nichiren Shonin’s funeral. In the de- piction, we can see that; Nichiro is in By Rev. Gyokai Sekido, Ph.D. the front row and Nissho is in the back time he arrived, his condition was too he passed into Nirvana surrounded by row of the funeral procession. Then In 1282, Nichiren Shonin’s health serious for him to continue his trip. On voices proclaiming the Odaimoku eight priests follow one another, and began to fail. The severe conditions of the 25th of the same month, he gave in the temple where a Mandala many disciples and lay believers join in the cold winter were difficult for him. the last lecture on the “Rissho-ankoku- Honzon was enshrined. His tur- the procession. These were the leading Worrying about his ill health, his dis- ron” to disciples and lay believers who bulent life of 61-years ended. disciples and lay believers of Nichiren ciples sent medicine to him. Accepting gathered from far and wide to hear Nissho (1221-1323) and Nichiro Shonin. Toki Jonin (Nichijo, 1216- their advice, Nichiren Shonin decided him. Feeling that his days were num- (1245-1320), who were two of the Six 1299) is holding the desk of the sutra to go to a hot spring in Hitachi (present bered, Nichiren Shonin named the Six Senior Disciples of Nichiren, placed containing Nichiren Shonin’s articles. Ibaraki Prefecture) to recuperate. He Senior Disciples as his successors on his body in a coffin on the 14th day of Ota Jomyo (1222-1283) is holding the left Minobusan on the eighth day of the the eighth day of the tenth month. He the tenth month at 8 p.m. He was cre- desk of the Buddhist text. Shijo Kingo ninth month, arriving at the residence asked the very young Kyoichimaro mated at about midnight of the same (1229-1296) and Ikegami Munenaka of Ikegami Munenaka of Ikegami in (Nichizo) to come to his sickbed and day at Ikegami. The memorial stupa of (his detail isn’t clear) hold the flags Musashi Province (present Tokyo) on dispatched him for propagation in the cremation is still preserved there and Daigaku Saburo (?-1286) holds the 18th day the same month. By the Kyoto. At 8:00 a.m. on the 13th day, today. His ashes were sent carefully to the lantern for the funeral ceremony.

Mando Lantern

Followers Parading at Minobusan Life-sized figure of Nichiren Shonin at Ikegami Followers gathered in front of Ikegami Honmonji Temple main hall

October 13, 1282, Nichiren Shonin and decorated with pink and white traditional Japanese fireman’s stand- Oeshiki Today passed away at the residence of paper flowers. Some of the lanterns ard. Hundreds and thousands of people Lord Ikegami in present day Tokyo. are like floats in a parade carrying gather to see or participate in this event. By Sandra Seki To commemorate his passing, every life-sized figures of Nichiren Shonin. Even though it may look and sound October 12, the night before his memo- More than 100 mandos come from all like a festival, it is actually a memo- Every year during the months of rial day, huge crowds flock to Ikegami over Tokyo and even from neighbor- rial event dedicated to our Founder. October and November, temples Honmonji Temple. Ministers and fol- ing prefectures. The night air is filled Although the Honmonji Oeshiki throughout and overseas hold lowers bringing their temple’s pagoda- with the chant of the Odaimoku and draws the largest crowd, mando parades a special service called “Oeshiki.” style lanterns called mando, parade the the rhythmical beat of the uchiwa take place at Minobusan, Horinouchi in memory of our Founder, Nichiren path leading to the main temple. The drums and bells, while youths and Myohoji, Zoushigaya Homyoji, and Shonin. In the early morning of mandos are beautifully illuminated children hoist and twirl the matoi, a other temples throughout Japan. 2 No.192, October 1, 2012 Nichiren Shu News Shobo: Nichiren Shonin’s Thoughts on The Lotus Sutra Chapter VII: “The Parable of a Magic City” and A Reply to Lord Ueno

By Rev. Hoyu Maruyama attain the enlightenment of the Buddha.” The Atsuwara Persecution, occurred Senpukuji Temple, Yokosuka I beseech you. It is time for all my in the second year of Koan era (1279), disciples to make a firm resolution. … which places the letter between then May the merits we have accumulated In any case, as humans, death remains and Nichiren Shonin’s death in 1282. by this offering unavoidable. The pain and sadness The sentences quoted above are found Be distributed among all living beings, experienced by a natural death is no in the last part of the letter. He urged And may we and all other living beings different from that brought on by sick- his followers to resolve themselves and Attain the enlightenment of the Buddha! ness or war. Hence, since the outcome to have strong faith in the Lotus Sutra. (Chapter 7 of the Lotus Sutra: “The is unchangeable, it is imperative that (Tr. S. Komukai) Parable of a Magic City” ) we entrust our lives to the Lotus Sutra. (to be continued) Think of it as returning a drop of dew The phrases above are quoted from to the ocean or burying a speck of dust Chapter 7 of the Lotus Sutra; “The in the earth. The third fascicle of the Parable of a Magic City.” In this chapter Lotus Sutra (Chapter 7, “The Parable the Brahman-Heavenly-Kings in the of a Magic City”) claims: “May the worlds of the ten quarters begged merits we have accumulated by this of- Great-Universal-Wisdom-Excellence fering/ Be distributed among all living Tathagata, who became enlightened beings,/ And may we and all other under the Bodhi-tree, to expound the living beings/ Attain the enlighten- Dharma so that the Buddha could ment of the Buddha together.” (A Reply save all living beings from suffering. to Lord Ueno-Ueno-dono Gohenji) The phrases are so famous that many The original manuscript of this letter, Buddhist sects as well as Nichiren consisting of five pages, is kept at Last Part of Ueno-dono Gohenji Brahman- Heavenly- King Shu, still use them when reading in- Taisekiji Temple near Mt. Fuji. As a vocation during formal ceremonies. basic rule of letter writing at that time, The Brahman-Heavenly-Kings, offer- only the day and month are marked ing their palaces to Great-Universal- (“on the sixth of the eleventh month”) Wisdom-Excellence Tathagata, asked but not the year. There is a postscript the Buddha to accept these gifts out of which says, “the letter is written in ap- His compassion, and to expound the preciation of the effort that you have Dharma to them. We can understand made regarding the Atsuwara Perse- their great vow to mean: “Once you, cution.” It is thought that Nichiren the Tathagata, expound the Dharma, Shonin sent this letter from Minobusan we will listen to it earnestly and keep it. to Nanjo (Ueno) Tokimitsu, an estate Then we will accumulate the merits by steward in the Ueno District near Mt. this offering. By distributing the merits Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture. Nanjo was among all living beings, all of us can a strong supporter of Nichiren Shonin. Rissho 140th Anniversary International Symposium

By Prof. Hirohisa Toda Tomb of Nanjo Tokimitsu Faculty of , Rissho University This year Rissho University will mark University. Also participating in the its 140th anniversary since becoming panel will be faculty members of the Rev. Kanno Preaches (20) a modern education institution in 1872. Institute for Area Studies at Leiden One of the main events to be held for University, and the faculty members this anniversary is an International of Rissho University. Symposium. The theme will be based on Japan’s This symposium aims to promote politics, economics, environment, “Those who obtained various merits and virtues by Rissho University’s 140th anniversary culture, and religion regarding “how almsgiving or by observing precepts…have already both domestically and internationally. they are ”and “how they should be.” attained the enlightenment of the Buddha.” It also aims to recognise the role and In-depth debates will be held to under- (Lotus Sutra, Chapter II: Expedients) significance of the university among stand the current situation, issues, their modern society. causes, and future prospects of Japan. For this purpose, we will hold a To fulfil the mission of “Respect the panel discussion with faculty members Validity” charged to Rissho University, Breathing of the Edwin O. Reischauer Institute we will be considering sincerely, the Breathing is a Buddhist practice. It maintains oneself, spiritually and of Japanese Studies. Harvard is one way Japan should be, and will offer physically. Firstly, you let out a thin and long breath, wishing to “breathe of the premier institutes in the United information domestically and interna- out all the evil spirits building up in your body.” States regarding Japanese Studies tionally about Japan’s “past to present” When you finish breathing all out, you inhale as much as you exhale. and an academic partner of Rissho and “present to future.” You exhale from the mouth and inhale from the nose. Your mind will October 13, 2012 (Sat) become quiet and peaceful by repeating the breathing. “Firstly you let out,” “When you do not let out, nothing can be let in,” “Considering Japan Now - Politics, “You let in as much as you let out.” These statements can be applied in 10:00-12:00 Economics, Environment, International Relations” our entire life. To obtain “merits and virtues,” we need to conduct good deeds for the 1:00- 3:00 “Considering Japan Now - People, Culture, Religion, Living” sake of others. First comes “to serve others.” After serving others, “we will obtain as much as we let out.” 3:30- 4:00 Buddhist Memorial Services for Oeshiki and 140th Anniversary A proverb says, “One must sow before one must reap,” emphasizing, “practice first.” The Lotus Sutra stresses the importance of “sowing Japanese Music Concert “Considering Japan Now - virtues and merits.” 4:30- 6:00 Mercy and Light” (Appreciating Japan) (Rev. Nisso Kanno, head priest of Kaichoji Temple, Shizuoka Prefecture) Nichiren Shu News No.192, October 1, 2012 3 Nichiren Shonin’s Admonitions Does the Pure Land Path Lead to Incessant Suffering?

By Rev. Ryuei McCormick times will be born Buddhism for the people of the present the Wonderful Dharma. The Lotus in his Pure Land age who no longer had the capacity to Sutra directly expounds the fullness This article will examine Nichiren after death. Think- succeed at any other Buddhist practice. of the Wonderful Dharma, here and Shonin’s admonition, “Pure Land Bud- ing of Amitabha Nichiren Shonin criticized Honen now, in the presence of the Eternal dhism is a way leading to the Hell of Buddha eventual- for lumping together all the sutras, Buddha. Therefore it does not make Incessant Suffering.” Such a confron- ly became equated teachings, and practices of Buddhism sense to embrace the indirect way of tational statement is offensive to vast with chanting his outside of the Triple Pure Land Sutras meeting the Wonderful Dharma only numbers of Buddhists in East Asian name. In Japa- and recommending that they be “aban- after death while excluding the pos- traditions whose practice is chanting nese this chant, or doned, closed, set aside, and cast away.” sibility of encountering the Wonderful Rev. the name of Amitabha Buddha, so it Ryuei McCormick nembutsu takes Nichiren argued that it was wrong to Dharma here and now. And it does not is important to understand exactly the form of “Namu reject the ultimate teaching of the make sense to claim that the Triple what Nichiren Shonin meant by this. Amida Butsu. ”According to Mahayana Lotus Sutra in favor of the provisional Pure Land Sutras should be used to Pure Land Buddhism is based on Buddhist teachings there are many teaching of the Triple Pure Land Sutras. turn people away from the expound- three sutras known collectively as the pure lands, but Amitabha Buddha Nichiren dismissed Honen’s pessimism ing of the Wonderful Dharma in the Triple Pure Land Sutras: the Sutra of the and his Western Pure Land became in regard to people’s spiritual capacity. Lotus Sutra. That would not be the Buddha of Infinite Life (Muryoju-kyo), the most popular. Pure Land Bud- The Lotus Sutra is intended precisely intent of the Triple Pure Land Sutras. the Sutra of Meditation on the Buddha dhism rapidly developed as a major for ordinary people in the Latter Age Nichiren Shonin’s point is that em- of Infinite Life, and the Pure Land branch of East Asian Buddhism. of the Dharma, who will gain incal- bracing the pessimism and otherworld- Sutra. The Sutra of the Buddha of Infi- Honen (1133-1212) was the founder culable merit as beginners who take liness of exclusive nembutsu practice nite Life tells the story of Bodhisattva of the Japanese Pure Land School. He faith in it. Nichiren Shonin encour- is a misunderstanding of Mahayana Dharma Treasury who made 48 vows asserted that everyone should simply aged all people to take faith in the teaching and a rejection of the Won- to create the best possible pure land chant Namu Amida Butsu, single- Lotus Sutra and chant the Odaimoku, derful Dharma taught in the Lotus in the western region of the universe mindedly at all times, and that this Namu Myoho Renge Kyo, to sow the Sutra. Because this leads away from wherein beings could attain awaken- was the practice that accorded with seed of Buddhahood. Through the the Buddha Dharma, it is therefore a ing. In fulfilling his vows, he became the Original Vow of the Bodhisattva Odaimoku people will realize that the path leading to incessant suffering. the Buddha known as Amitabha (Infi- Dharma Treasury. Honen’s major work, only true pure land is this world now, That the Pure Land teachings should nite Light) or Amitayus (Infinite Life). the Collection of Passages on the Nem- wherein Buddhahood is a universal not be used to negate the direct expres- His 18th vow in particular inspired the butsu and the Original Vow (Senchaku possibility and, for those able to per- sion of the Wonderful Dharma is a cri- Pure Land tradition and is known as Hongan Nembutsu Shu), written in 1198, ceive it by faith, a present actuality. tique that I believe still holds up today. the Original Vow. This vow declares insisted that the exclusive practice of In the Pure Land way, one must be (to be continued) that anyone who thinks of him even ten nembutsu was only the correct form of reborn in a Pure Land to awaken to My Training as an Overseas Minister

By. Rev. Ervinna Myoufu Nasib, Ph.D. In the same way, if more people portunity and to be in the company of chanted the Odaimoku in Indonesia, the many sincere ministers and members. I am Ervinna Myoufu from Indonesia. condition of the country will get better During my six-month training in Before I came to the Nichiren Mission gradually. Also I think one of the most Hawaii, I want to learn many things of Hawaii, I was in Japan for seven important things in propagation is the from not only the ministers but also years. I knew the Odaimoku from my language. It would be easier for people the members. I will do my best and mother who was a Nichiren Shoshu fol- to understand if we can explain the hope that I can make a lot of wonder- lower. She was a very active member in Dharma in their mother tongue. This ful memories with all of you. Thank Nichiren Shoshu. When I was a child, is why I decided to become a priest you so much for welcoming me here. Rev. Ervinna in front of Shumuin she would often take me to the temple and spread the Dharma in Indonesia. Namu Myoho Renge Kyo and I grew up in a Nichiren Buddhist I went to Japan to learn Japanese and family. However, my mother passed Buddhism and train to become a priest. away at the age of 49 due to an illness. I also continued my studies in medicine When she was alive, she would tell at Juntendo University to get my Ph.D. me to always keep the faith in the I was lucky to meet my compassionate Lotus Sutra and the Odaimoku. She Master Rev. Shukai Oikawa, the Chief said she had nothing to give me except Priest of Myokakuji Temple in Kyoto this faith. After she passed away, I and Joenji Temple in Shinjuku, Tokyo. found Nichiren Shu where I was able I began my training as a priest under to find the real teachings of Sakyamuni him in 2009 and I completed Shingyo Buddha and Nichiren Shonin. I studied Dojo in 2011. I am very thankful to and strengthened my faith and then I all the kind people I met while I was decided to become a priest. I wanted to studying in Japan. Without their help I spread the real teachings of the Buddha would not have been able to complete in my country. Indonesia is a develop- my studies in medicine and my train- ing country so there are many things ing as a Nichiren Shu priest. I decided that we have to improve. There are too to learn more about overseas propaga- many criminals, poor people and people tion before leaving for my mission in who are suffering. I want to spread the Indonesia. I had heard that Nichiren Odaimoku so my country could become Shu had a long history of overseas better. I believe that if I put water in propagation in Hawaii so I became a cup of coffee, little by little even interested in doing training there. I the coffee will become clear one day. am very fortunate to have this op- Rev. Ervinna receiving certification from Rev. Kobun Sasaki

Calendar October – November 2012

October 1: Ceremony of changing the robes on the statue of November 2-4: Lay member’s retreat at Hokekyoji Temple, Brazil Nichiren Shonin, Minobusan November 28: 13th Memorial Service for Ryuguji Temple at Nagpour, India October 10: Service in memory of the Founder’s exile to Sado Island November 13: Memorial Service for Nichizo Shonin October 11 - 13: Oeshiki October 12: Minobusan and Ikegami Mando Parade October 13: The 731th Memorial Service for Nichiren Shonin October 26-28: Lay member’s retreat at Renkoji Temple, Italy By Rev. Keiryo Inoue 4 No.192, October 1, 2012 Nichiren Shu News

The Archbishop and guests after visiting the cemetery and tion of the Buddha.” based arrived at Hilo Airport at 9:08 offering a prayer for the spirits on Nichiren Shu tradition. Temple Events a.m. and proceeded to the Hilo of the deceased Japanese im- In the first lecture we discussed: Nichiren Mission with a police migrants. “what happens after death,” car leading the group. He then This was the most impressive what Hell means in Buddhism, Portland Nichiren Buddhist Temple conducted a short service of and honorable moment in funeral ceremonies, memorial Wedding Ceremony greeting and celebration of the my life as a priest. services of Nichiren Shu, and 110th anniversary of Nichiren the meaning of each ceremony. By Rev. Myosho Obata Buddhism in Hawaii at the altar North Carolina Sangha The second lecture covered: of the main church building. “where we will go after death?,” The group then walked up to the Rev. Ryusho Jeffus departure to Hades, the Shichimen-deity’s hut and held a pure-land of Nichiren Shu, short service. I have to mention Rev. Ryusho Jeffus has been the promise of Mt.Sacred that Rev. Kaishuku Mochizuki invited on behalf of the U.S. Eagle, healing of grief, and who conferred the statue of the Democratic National Conven- how we should live the Shichimen-deity in 1985 from tion Committee’s Office of remainder of our lives. Minobu, Japan was also present Public Engagement and the Faith We also discussed various that day. Actually Archbishop Outreach Department to deliver life troubles, such as, suicide, Uchino also had visited Hilo and the opening prayer on Thurs- and abortion. We read aloud Kapapala at that time in 1985 day, September 6, 2012, during works by Ryunosuke Akuta- when he was still a resident min- the Interfaith Morning Prayer gawa, a popular novelist in ister of Shimizu-bo in Minobu. Gathering of the 2012 Demo- Japan whose works are based Rev. Obata with the newlyweds After the service at the cratic National Convention. on Buddhist concepts. Shichimen-deity’s hut, the Each day of the week-long We selected two of his A wedding ceremony was we learn to take it in stride, guests spent a short time in our convention includes an hour- stories: “Spider-thread” and held at Sauvie Island Farm on Namu-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. church having a cup of tea in long interfaith gathering at the “Toshi-shun.” We copied the the evening of August 18. Sauvie The sipping of sake three old tea-cups from the Kapapala Charlotte Convention Center. image of Bodhisattva “Jizo: Island is approximately 10 miles times, san san kudo, was per- times, buying the 110th special These gatherings will begin ksiti-gharbha” who rescues suf- north of Portland, Oregon, and formed. Then, they exchanged T-shirts as souvenirs for their and end with a prayer led by fering souls in hell. In closing, it is the largest island along the their wedding rings, and they families, or taking some photos a National or North Carolina a very unique meditation Columbia River. The altar for expressed their gratitude to in front of the mission. One of faith leader. After each gather- session was conducted by Rev. the ceremony was arranged the Buddha and our founder our members and a guest from ing will be a panel discussion, Cederman:Meditation of Death under a hundred-year old oak Nichiren Shonin by offering Japan who also visited in 1985 facilitated by Dr. Derrick tree surrounded by fields, and incense while chanting the were glad to see each other Harkins of the DNC’s Faith Renkoji, Italy a Gohonzon was enshrined in Odaimoku, Namu Myoho after such a long time. Rev. Outreach Department, on the the Buddhist altar. The bride Renge Kyo. Chojo Ichikawa who is the day’s theme of “Being Our By Rev. Shoryo Tarabini and groom were Sarah Marielle After the ceremony, the grandson of Rev. Nunome, the Brothers’ and Sisters’ Keeper.” Stivers and Brian Patrick Wood wedding reception was held in second resident minister of the These gatherings provide The Tokudo (entrance into who are members of the temple. a public square on the farm, and church in Kapapala was there an opportunity for people Buddhist priesthood) ceremony While more than a hundred they extended warm-hearted as well. We were very happy of faith to discuss issues for Gabriel De Luca Garoffe was invited guests were watching, hospitality to their guests with to see that so many Nichiren and religious values. held on August 31, at Renkoji the ceremony sincerely pro- plenty of delicious foods which ministers and believers had Temple. Gabriel has been ceeded. After reciting the were the freshest organic fruits gathered at our small mission. Nichiren Shu Buddhist studying under Rev. Tarabini Lotus Sutra, a pair of Juzu was and vegetables right from the At around 11a.m., the group Temple of UK and is the leader of the Spain bestowed on each of them, and field. Although their families, left the Hilo Mission to go to Sangha. Also participating in they made a vow to the Buddha: relatives, and friends had never the former temple, the Wood By Rev. Kanto Tsukamoto the ceremony were Rev. Eiyu On this wonderful day, in attended a Buddhist wedding Valley Temple in Kau Pahala, Ishii, head of the Nichiren Shu the presence of the Buddha, ceremony nor had they any and conducted a dedication On August 25 and 26, we International Propagation Com- Dharma, and Sangha. Together, knowledge about Buddhism, ceremony in front of the 100th held a seminar at our temple mittee and Rev. Shodo Ando, with our family and friends, we they said that they were deeply monument of the Nichiren in London. We invited Rev. Gabriel’s host while he was vow as a couple to take refuge touched by the ceremony, missionary work there. Kanjin Cederman from Seattle, studying in Japan earlier this year. in the Triple Gems and build a especially, reciting the Sutra Actually, this was the first U.S.A., as a guest speaker. At the ceremony Gabriel was happy family together. May we and the Odaimoku. I deeply ap- time in 48 years that an Arch- For this seminar we chose a presented with the Dharma learn to love each other with preciated that I had been able bishop had visited Hilo on topic which is difficult and name “Shobo.” Rev.Tarabin, understanding and compassion, to take this happy occasion to the Big Island of Hawaii. The sensitive but very impor- Gabriel, and the Revs. from as we share our lives together. the Buddha, and I thought that former Archbishop, Nichijo tant: “Death.” We divided Japan left for Spain the follow- There will be moments of joys spreading Nichiren Shu Bud- Fujii, visited here in 1964. It the lectures into two areas: ing day to hold the Second An- and sorrow. However, may dhism was my greatest pleasure. is also the first time that the in- “What is Death?” and “Salva- niversary of the Spain Sangha. cumbent Archbishop visited the Archbishop Receives Warm Welcome at Hilo Nichiren Mission since the the Hilo Mission opening of the mission in 1965. It was Archbishop Uchino’s By Rev. Hosho Sugawara second visit to Kapapala. During his last visit, his group had just We successfully completed the Hilo Nichiren Mission and at passed through the gate of the the 110th anniversary of the the former temple in Kau Pahala cemetery and heard a little about Nichiren Missionary work in on Saturday, June 30th. Over the cemetery from the guide. Hawaii with great success. We 60 followers and priests from Archbishop Uchino was very had the honor of receiving Japan visited the Hilo Mission sorry that he could not stop by Archbishop Nisso Uchino of the with him. Archbishop Uchino the cemetery and had always Minobusan Kuonji Temple to visited on behalf of the 5,000 been concerned about this. He Shami Shobo hoisting his Dharma name (back row) Front row lead the ceremonial visitation at Nichiren Shu temples in Japan. was finally able to feel relieved (Lto R) Revs. Ishii, Tarabini and Ando

Nichiren Shu News

c/o Nichiren Shu Shumuin 1-32-15, Ikegami, Ota-ku, Tokyo 146-8544, Japan Editorial Board: Tel. 03-3751-7181~3 Editor: Sandra Seki Board of Trustees: Shobin Watanabe, Chief Administrator, Nichiren Shu; Supervisor: Kyotsu Hori / Chief Advisor: Keiryu Shima Bungyo Yoshida, President, Kaigai Fukyo Koenkai; Layout Advisor: Kanjo Bassett Kenitsu Saito, Executive Director, Missionary Department; Staff: Kanshu Naito, Gyokai Sekido, Kanji Tamura, Gen’ichi Oikawa (overseas), Moumi Shiozaki, Executive Director, General Affairs Department; Chishin Hirai, Shingyo Imai, Shinkyo Warner Honshu Nakai, Director, Missionary Department, Nichiren Shu Advisor: Hoyu Maruyama