The College Division
The College Division of the Students Training Course for the 188th year of Tenrikyo was held from March 4 to 8. A total of 550 university, junior college, and technical school students connected to the path (278 male and 272 female) participated in the course. The participants were divided into groups that belonged to one of five houses. Each house had a director, vice director, and counselors, with a total of 263 staff members supporting the course.
This year concludes the “three years, one thousand days” period leading up to the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama. The theme of the course was “Oyasama—Our Spiritual Foundation.” Over the five-day retreat, the participants deepened friendships and shared in the joy of faith.
The program included many opportunities for “group time.” Students discussed the Divine Model of Oyasama and Her parental heart, with which She continues to work for world salvation to this day. Also, through lectures, participants learned the truth of the everliving Oyasama and Her Divine Model.
In addition, there was a time for participants to read aloud their personal letters addressed to Oyasama at the Foundress’ Sanctuary of Church Headquarters.
At the closing ceremony, Rev. Yoshimasa Shimizu, chairperson of the Students Advisory Committee, delivered an address. He emphasized that Oyasama’s teachings and Divine Model were given to brighten the lives of all people throughout the world. He said: “Please walk this path with the presence, the parental heart, and the teachings of Oyasama—who lovingly guides us with deep affection—as your spiritual foundation. I hope you return to the Home of the Parent again.”
Following this, everyone joined together to dance the Eight Verses of the Yorozuyo, marking the conclusion of the program. After receiving their certificates of completion from the counselors, the students tearfully said their goodbyes and promised to meet again in Jiba.
During the course, the Shinbashira and Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama closely observed the program and its activities.
The High School Graduates Division
Following the College Division, the High School Graduates Division of the Students Training Course was held from March 10 to 12. A total of 295 high school students (121 male and 174 female) from across Japan who were graduating or expected to graduate this spring participated in the course.
The participants were divided into three houses and further organized into smaller groups, with one male and one female counselor assigned to each group. With a total of 163 staff members supporting the program, participants engaged in various activities such as group work, lectures, and group discussions, deepening their friendships with fellow followers of the path.
On the second day of the program, a “group time” took place to allow students to carry out activities they planned themselves, such as recreational programs and hinokishin. In the evening, “group sharing sessions” were held, where participants sat in circles and spoke openly about their personal experiences of faith and their dreams for the future.
On the final day, each group’s head counselor delivered a talk titled “To You, for Your Future.” This was followed by the final group work session, themed “Graduating from High School—My Treasures,” where participants reflected on the realizations they had gained during the course and shared their goals for the future.
At the closing ceremony, Director-in-Chief of Administrative Affairs Zensuke Nakata presented certificates of completion to representatives of each house.
During the course, Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama visited the group sessions and warmly spoke to the participants with a smile.