The 47th English Class of Shuyoka (the three-month Spiritual Development Course) began in the Home of the Parent on April 1 as part of the 982nd session of Shuyoka. It is being held for the first time in three years as the Japanese government lifted major COVID-19 travel restrictions last year. The English Class has six participants from four countries and regions: three from the United States (two from the mainland and one from Hawaii) and one each from Hong Kong, Nepal, and Kenya.
The homeroom instructor is Rev. Yoshinori Okahashi, a staff member of Tenrikyo Overseas Department. The assistant instructor is Rev. Norio Tanaka, head minister of Joetsu Branch Church. Rev. Okahashi teaches the classes on The Life of Oyasama, the musical instruments, and faith experience speeches, and Rev. Tanaka on The Doctrine of Tenrikyo, the service dance, the Mikagura-uta (The Songs for the Service), and the musical instruments. Rev. Okahashi 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. Tanaka.