The third Shinbashira, Zenye Nakayama, passed away for rebirth at the Shinbashiraʼs residence at 7:55 p.m. on June 24 at the age of 81. The funeral will be held on Sunday, July 6, at noon in Kitaoji-jokojo (the bus loading and unloading area, just east of Tenri Kyoko Gakuen High School, on the north side of Kitaoji boulevard) in the Home of the Parent.
A few years ago, his legs became so weakened that he had to be pushed in a wheelchair to attend the daily services and the Monthly and Grand Services of Church Headquarters. Until recently, despite his condition, he occasionally visited dioceses and directly supervised churches to encourage local followers.
In the late afternoon of the 24th, he took a sudden turn for the worst and passed away for rebirth at 7:55 p.m. because of heart failure.
At 8:45 p.m., the Shinbashira announced the former Shinbashiraʼs passing to Church Headquartersʼ officials who had been called to assemble at the Staff Quarters. That night, the Religious Affairs Bureau sent notification of his passing to all directly supervised churches, dioceses, and overseas mission facilities.
From the next morning, a large number of followers came to the Shinbashiraʼs residence to express their condolences and pay their respects. The ceremony for the transfer of his soul was held at 7:30 p.m. on the 27th at the Shinbashiraʼs residence. The next day, a private family ceremony took place at noon also at the residence.