On December 7, 2008, Tenrikyo Mission Center in Hong Kong performed its monthly service in commemoration of its 30th anniversary, with Director-in-Chief of Administrative Affairs Masahiko Iburi attending as the guest of honor.
The path in Hong Kong was rekindled in 1960 when the second Shinbashira, Shozen Nakayama, made a stop in Hong Kong for the first time after the war. By 1975, three mission stations had been established. Tenrikyo Mission Center in Hong Kong was established in 1978 with Rev. Toki Fukuhara as its first head, and Tenri Japanese Language Class of Hong Kong (now Tenri Japanese Language School of Hong Kong) was opened in 1984. Then, in 2002, Minami Hong Kong Church, headed by Rev. Mitsuko Kitamura, was established. There are presently one church, three mission stations, and 90 Yoboku in the Hong Kong area.
Following the service prayer delivered by Rev. Michinobu Nakajima, head of Tenrikyo Mission Center in Hong Kong, the service was performed by about 40 local followers dressed in kyofuku robes, who had held monthly practice sessions for the service dance and the musical instruments to prepare themselves for this memorable occasion. Followers who filled the worship hall joined together in singing the songs for the service in unity of mind.
A post-service reception was then held at a separate location to celebrate the 30th anniversary. It was attended by local followers as well as followers from Canada, Australia, and the southern Chinese province of Guangdong.
In his speech at the reception, Rev. Iburi referred to the beginnings of the Tenrikyo mission in Hong Kong before the war, the opening in 1942 of Tenrikyo Mission Center in Hong Kong affiliated with the then Mission Headquarters in South China, and the halting of the mission in the aftermath of the war. He went on to say: “The establishment of the current mission center 30 years ago could be regarded as marking the ‘revival’ of the path in Hong Kong.” He also looked back on difficulties that the first head, Rev. Fukuhara, his wife, and other followers had gone through while working to establish this center.
Rev. Iburi then stressed that the significance of this center is truly great not only because of the cultural activities promoted by its Japanese Language School but also because it is the only Tenrikyo center in mainland China. As to a future course of action, he said: “First of all, we ought to make an individual effort to bring our own minds into accord with the intention of God the Parent and then help more and more people in the world do the same, which will lead to the construction of the Joyous Life World.”
Later, attendees enjoyed raffle drawings and a harmonica performance by followers.