On October 9, Tenrikyo Mission Headquarters in South Korea, located in Gimhae City, held a service to mark the installation of its 16th bishop, Rev. Masuhiko Yoshikawa, in the presence of Rev. Daisuke Nakayama and Mrs. Harue Nakayama, the Shinbashira’s wife. The event drew approximately 1,700 followers from various regions under a clear blue sky.
During the service, Bishop Yoshikawa offered the prayer in Korean. This was followed by Rev. Nakayama reading aloud a message from the Shinbashira.
In his message, the Shinbashira encouraged the newly appointed bishop of the mission headquarters, stating, “I would like you to take the initiative to learn how to ponder in single-heartedness with God and to make layer upon layer of efforts to acquire that pondering more than anyone else in the mission headquarters, thereby striving to become a central figure with whom others will seek to bring their minds into unity so that people in this diocese will respect and help one another to receive the blessing of a joyous settling.”
To the followers in South Korea, the Shinbashira emphasized: “Just as Oyasama taught, ‘From a knot, buds will sprout,’ I sincerely hope that everyone will seize this occasion as an opportunity to strengthen the path in South Korea so that it may continue to flourish. I ask that you all exert your sincerity in carrying out the tasks of the path in unity of mind and in high spirits.”
The service was then performed with Rev. Nakayama as the core, and the spirited singing voices of the congregation filled the mission headquarters as they sang the Mikagura-uta in Korean.
After the service, Bishop Yoshikawa addressed the congregation, saying: “Taking to heart once again the divine intention that is behind the day of origin of the Teaching, I am determined to continue to uphold the sincere dedication of the successive bishops and to work earnestly to build the basis for receiving the blessings of salvation and the development of human resources. With the words given by the Shinbashira today as my guiding principle, I pledge to dedicate myself to responding to the intention of God the Parent. I hope to return to Jiba with as many followers as possible for the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama and to bring joy to Oyasama.”
Following the proceedings in the sanctuary, a commemorative event titled the “Tenri Joyous Festival” was held on the mission headquarters’ premises, featuring performances by the fife and drum band, dances, and various interactive booths and food stands.
