The 48th English Class of Shuyoka (the three-month Spiritual Development Course) began in the Home of the Parent on April 1 as part of the 994th session of Shuyoka. The English Class currently has six participants from five countries: two from Kenya, and one each from the United States, Canada, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
The homeroom instructor is Rev. Joann Mitsuko Yamada, wife of the head minister of Koga Grand Church. The assistant instructor is Rev. Robert Satoru Kokuryo, head minister of Granville Church. Rev. Yamada teaches the classes on The Life of Oyasama, the musical instruments, and faith experience speeches, and Rev. Kokuryo on The Doctrine of Tenrikyo, the service dance, the Mikagura-uta (The Songs for the Service), and the musical instruments. Rev. Yamada leads other class activities such as homeroom, sermon practice, guided tours of the Residence and historical sites, practice in missionary work, and practice in administering the Sazuke, together with the assistant instructor, Rev. Kokuryo.
