The Students’ Spring Pilgrimage to Jiba for the 188th year of Tenrikyo was held on March 28 in the Home of the Parent under the theme “Let Us Unite Our Hearts in a Circle and Let Joy Overflow from the Students’ Spring Pilgrimage to Jiba.” A total of 2,978 high school and university students connected to the path gathered from across the country to attend the convention, which was honored by the presence of Mrs. Harue Nakayama as well as Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama and his wife, Nobue.
Due to rain that had continued from the previous day, the venue for the day’s event was changed from the Inner Courtyard of Church Headquarters to the North, East, and West Worship Halls.
Following the singing of the Eight Verses of the Yorozuyo, So Hirooka, chairperson of the event’s executive committee, delivered opening remarks.
Next, Director-in-Chief of Administrative Affairs Zensuke Nakata read a message from the Shinbashira. In the message, the Shinbashira noted that the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama would be conducted on January 26, 2026, and explained the origin of the anniversaries: Oyasama withdrew from physical life on lunar calendar January 26, 1887, to urge spiritual growth out of Her parental love for all of us, Her children. Based on this, he stated that what is most important during this season is to respond to Oyasama’s heart by making daily efforts to grow spiritually as much as possible.
The Shinbashira went on to explain the significance of the “three years, one thousand days” period, which is observed in the lead-up to each anniversary of Oyasama. Emphasizing that we (have) always made a decisive commitment to following the Divine Model during this period, he encouraged everyone to firmly keep in mind the intention to follow the path of the Divine Model until the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama.
He also stated that as we follow the path of the Divine Model, we will inevitably encounter various challenges. He said that it is vital to strive to walk in accordance with the teachings of God the Parent and find joy in the way Oyasama shows us various events.
The Shinbashira then pointed out that we are currently in a season where we are all striving to move forward in unity of mind. He emphasized that recognizing our respective roles and positions, reflecting on what we ought to do and what we can do, and then trying to walk the path just as Oyasama taught us—these efforts will naturally bring about unity.
He concluded the message by encouraging the students to continue making sincere efforts to follow the Divine Model as taught by Oyasama, doing whatever they could under the present circumstances. He expressed his hope that they would live each day in high spirits and continue walking the path in a way that brings reassurance to Oyasama as we work toward the realization of the Joyous Life.
Following the message, two students—Miho Yada, a fourth-year student, and Haruki Arai, a first-year student—took the stage to share their joy of faith and gratitude for the blessings they had received. Then, Naoya Takeda, a second-year student, delivered a pledge expressing his resolution on behalf of all participants.
The ceremony concluded with all participants singing the event’s theme song, “Kibo no hana” (Flowers of Hope).
After the ceremony, students took part in the “Directly Supervised Church Hour,” where they engaged in programs organized by their directly supervised churches.
On the day before the ceremony, March 27, a pre-event celebration called the “Spring Festival” was held in the plaza in front of the East and West Fountain Pools of Church Headquarters. In addition, on the day of the ceremony, a special registration area was set up in the Besseki Lecture Hall, and a total of 264 students attended the lectures in the morning, including 51 first-time attendees.