On April 29, the annual Tenrikyo Hinokishin Day was conducted in many parts of the world with preventative measures taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This event is a culmination of daily hinokishin activities carried out by Yoboku and followers of the path, with the word “hinokishin” referring to selfless and thankful action performed to make repayment for God’s complete providence.
At each venue, a message from Director-in-Chief of Administrative Affairs Zensuke Nakata was read by a representative. In his message, Rev. Nakata said: “Tenrikyo Hinokishin Day is an event designed for followers of the path who live in the same district to engage in hinokishin in unity of mind in designated places in various parts of the world, expressing their appreciation for God’s blessings. . . . I would like you to avoid the ‘Three Cs’—‘closed spaces,’ ‘crowded places,’ and ‘close contact settings’—as you engage in hinokishin spiritedly while raising awareness of your ties with one another in the same district.”
The weather was unstable throughout Japan on that day, with heavy rain falling in some parts of the country. Although some venues were canceled because of the rain, families and individuals worked up a good sweat in unity of mind as they spiritedly engaged in hinokishin in public places, churches, or areas around followers’ houses.