{"id":10150,"date":"2026-02-25T14:42:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T05:42:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/?p=10150"},"modified":"2026-08-27T09:50:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T00:50:00","slug":"overseas-department-hosts-gathering-for-overseas-followers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/?p=10150","title":{"rendered":"Overseas Department Hosts Gathering for Overseas Followers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Oyasama 140th Anniversary Overseas Followers Gathering was held on January 24, two days before the anniversary, at Tenrikyo Overseas Department, located in East Right Wing 4 of the Oyasato-yakata building-complex, with some 400 followers from overseas in attendance. The event provided an opportunity for these pilgrims to come together, share the joy they had gained through their pre-anniversary activities, and pledge together to take further steps along the path of spiritual growth.<\/p>\n

On that day, a large welcome board, featuring the image of the Foundress\u2019 Sanctuary at its center, greeted overseas followers returning to Jiba. The words \u201cOyasama 140th Anniversary Overseas Followers Gathering\u201d were written in concentric circles in 20 languages supported by the Overseas Department, visually expressing how the teachings that began with Oyasama have spread to countries around the world and how, in turn, people have now gathered again by Her side from across the globe. All participants received a commemorative clear folder featuring a design based on that of the welcome board.<\/p>\n

All participants from overseas, including some Japanese missionaries as well as group leaders, were provided with the same latest-model infrared simultaneous interpretation receivers before the event started in the top-floor auditorium. To meet the diverse language needs of those in attendance, simultaneous interpretation was provided in 11 languages. Compared with the \u201cOverseas Followers Gathering\u201d held at the time of Oyasama\u2019s 130th Anniversary ten years ago, three additional languages were used on this occasion.<\/p>\n

In the opening address, Overseas Department Head Masaharu Matsuda reflected on the significance of observing Oyasama\u2019s anniversary by saying: \u201cAfter the first, fifth, and tenth anniversary, Oyasama\u2019s anniversaries have been observed once every decade. So, the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama will mark the 16th anniversary to be conducted. Our predecessors regarded each anniversary as a milestone in their spiritual growth and made every effort to advance along the path in the exact manner shown in the Divine Model, wholeheartedly adoring Oyasama. The same is true for those of us who live today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following his remarks, faith experience speeches under the unified title \u201cMy Three Years, One Thousand Days Season\u2014The Practice and Joy of Faith\u201d were given by three overseas followers.
\nMs. Amira Dali from Nepal, a lay minister belonging to Keigo Branch Church under Azuma Grand Church, was among the speakers. In her speech, she first reflected upon her initial encounter with the teachings of Oyasama. Then, she spoke at length about her spiritual parent, Rev. Shigeru Matsumoto, who conveyed the teachings to her and sowed a single seed in Nepal. Ms. Dali also explained that she had the opportunity to serve as a lecturer for the Renrakusho’s Nepal Seminar and thus to play a role in nurturing future leaders of the path as part of her activities leading up to the 140th Anniversary of Oyasama. She concluded her speech by saying, \u201cMoving forward, I renew my determination to never forget this gratitude as I take each step toward the Joyous Life, drawing ever closer to Oyasama. Under Her protection, I pledge here today to continue practicing my faith, spreading the joy of helping one another, and sharing these blessings with everyone around me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The faith experience speeches were followed by the practice performance of the Eight Verses of the Yorozuyo. With Overseas Department Head Masaharu Matsuda as lead singer, the participants from around the world performed the Eight Verses of the Yorozuyo. The musical instruments were played by the students in the Oyasato Fusekomi Department of Tenrikyo Language Institute, adding a meaningful touch to the gathering of overseas followers.<\/p>\n

The second part of the program was held on the third floor of the building, where the open floor space and classrooms were arranged for a time of fellowship. While enjoying refreshments and hot beverages, overseas followers took the opportunity to reconnect with one another and to make new acquaintances.<\/p>\n

On that day, Successor-Designate Daisuke Nakayama and his wife, Nobue, as well as their infant daughter, Akino, also attended the gathering and warmly interacted with the overseas followers.
\n\"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\" \"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Oyasama 140th Anniversary Overseas Followers Gathering was held on January 24, two days before the anniversary, at Tenrikyo Overseas Department, located in East Right Wing 4 of the Oyasato-yakata building-complex, with some 400 followers from overseas in attendance. The event provided an opportunity for these pilgrims to come together,\u2026<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/span><\/i><\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":10169,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,199,1],"tags":[160,248],"class_list":["post-10150","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-featured","category-news","tag-overseas-followers-gathering","tag-oyasama-140th-anniversary"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t