![\"\"](\"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/34-215x119-183x101.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe 2024 Children\u2019s Pilgrimage to Jiba, sponsored by Church Headquarters, kicked off on July 27 and concluded on August 4. This year\u2019s event saw 156,859 participants from across the country and abroad\u2014a significant increase of about 43,000 people compared to last year\u2019s eleven-day event.<\/p>\n
The smiles of the children enjoying their time on the summer pilgrimage shone brightly, with their voices echoing throughout the Home of the Parent, as they participated in various training activities and entertaining attractions. Through these summer experiences in Jiba, they learned the teachings and cultivated a mind of mutual help.<\/p>\n
As this year\u2019s Children\u2019s Pilgrimage to Jiba approached, Tenrikyo Boys and Girls Association encouraged participation in the event under the themes \u201cLet\u2019s savor the joy of returning to Jiba with children\u201d and \u201cLet\u2019s aim for participation from every church.\u201d<\/p>\n
The opening day of the pilgrimage was blessed with clear skies from the morning. Children wearing matching hats and T-shirts, led by their handmade banners, made their way toward the Main Sanctuary.<\/p>\n
At 8:30 A.M., the \u201cMorning Service,\u201d one of the training activities, was held at the East, West, and North Worship Halls of the Main Sanctuary. After completing the service, the children recited the \u201cthree promises\u201d for the Children\u2019s Pilgrimage as well as the Boys and Girls Association Pledge. They then sang the theme song for the pilgrimage together, officially marking the start of the 2024 Children\u2019s Pilgrimage to Jiba.<\/p>\n
At 9:00 A.M., all the rest of the activities and the various attractions began. This year, for the first time in five years, \u201cPikky\u2019s Stage\u201d and the \u201cNinja Village\u201d were held with new features. Additionally, a new event, the \u201cMiracle Adventures,\u201d was introduced.<\/p>\n
At tea tents scattered throughout the Home of the Parent, members of the Boys and Girls Hinokishin Corps cheerfully called out, \u201cHave some tea!\u201d<\/p>\n
At 3:00 P.M., the \u201cFife and Drum Bands on Parade\u201d took place on the north side of the South Center Wing of the Oyasato-yakata building-complex. The participants dressed in their uniforms delivered perfectly synchronized performances.<\/p>\n
Following this, those set to perform in the \u201cFife and Drum Bands\u2019 Dedicatory Performance\u201d marched in a parade from the west side square in front of the East Center Wing of the Oyasato-yakata building-complex to the area in front of the East Worship Hall. There, the participants from across the country performed the theme song for the Children\u2019s Pilgrimage, \u201cThank you! Summer in Jiba!\u201d (Arigato, natsu no Ojiba), in unison. Over the nine days of the summer festival, the soft evening light bathed the Sanctuary precincts, accompanied by the melodies of the Fife and Drum Bands\u2019 Dedicatory Performance.<\/p>\n
After the evening service at the Main Sanctuary, the South Approach to the precincts was illuminated. As the day came to a close, everyone enjoyed the various colored lights.<\/p>\n
On the weekend of July 27 and 28, large numbers of children returned for the pilgrimage. On July 28 alone, 26,821 people participated, resulting in long wait times at some venues and full capacity at events with limited seating, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.<\/p>\n
During the event, the Home of the Parent enjoyed clear skies, though a sudden shower on the final day required the Fife and Drum Bands\u2019 Dedicatory Performance to be moved to the breezeway of the East Center Wing of the Oyasato-yakata building-complex. Despite the change, the participants performed with lively expressions, showcasing their skills.<\/p>\n
Due to the daily heatstroke warnings issued across Nara Prefecture, Church Headquarters called on all pilgrim groups to take due precautions. In collaboration with Ikoi-no-Ie Hospital, six first-aid stations were set up throughout the venues for activities and attractions. Over 200 doctors, nurses, and other volunteers were on hand to provide swift care for children who were injured or unwell.<\/p>\n
From overseas, 428 participants returned from 20 countries and regions, including the United States, Mongolia, and Colombia. The children from abroad who joined the Boys and Girls Hinokishin Corps experienced the joy of helping others through serving ice-cold tea.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/43-1-183x103.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Children\u2019s Pilgrimage to Jiba was bustling with participants once again. The children went home with unforgettable summer memories in their hearts.<\/p>\n
A Dance Team from across the Ocean<\/strong> Ms. Kazu Manome, a 42-year-old Yoboku of Konoisamu Branch Church, who led the group, said: \u201cNinety percent of the children who returned this time come from non-follower families. My heart is full of joy that they could safely return to Jiba.\u201d<\/p>\n The team performed in the first and second shows from July 27 to 30. They wowed the audience with breakdancing and hip-hop routines set to upbeat music. During their stay, they also enjoyed various entertaining attractions of the Children\u2019s Pilgrimage.<\/p>\n The team captain, Akari Kobayashi, 14, smiled and said, \u201cI was nervous because it was a big stage, but I danced with all my energy to bring joy to the audience.\u201d<\/p>\n Marking 70 Years of the Fife and Drum Band Activities<\/strong> \u201cGathering of Appreciation\u201d<\/strong> In his speech, Director-in-Chief of Administrative Affairs Zensuke Nakata highlighted the efforts of those involved who brought back the children to Jiba, as well as the many people who carried out hinokishin activities throughout Jiba during the Children\u2019s Pilgrimage. He said, \u201cGod the Parent and Oyasama saw our united efforts and guided us through the course of the event by reducing a great misfortune to a small misfortune and a small misfortune to no misfortune at all.\u201d<\/p>\n He then offered words of appreciation and thanks to the people who embodied the teaching of unity of mind.<\/p>\n Finally, in appreciation for the safe conclusion of the event, everyone participated in the evening service at the Main Sanctuary.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The 2024 Children\u2019s Pilgrimage to Jiba, sponsored by Church Headquarters, kicked off on July 27 and concluded on August 4. This year\u2019s event saw 156,859 participants from across the country and abroad\u2014a significant increase of about 43,000 people compared to last year\u2019s eleven-day event. The smiles of the children enjoying\u2026<\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/online.tenrikyo.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u30ab\u30ca\u30c0\u3000\u30c0\u30f3\u30b9-7-183x103.jpg\")
One of the most popular events, the \u201cVariety Show 187\u201d (organized by the Nara Diocese), featured a performance by a Canadian dance team called \u201cJoyous Stars.\u201d The team is made up of elementary and middle school students who attend Tenrikyo Konohana Joyous Mission Center.<\/p>\n
\nWith this year marking the 70th anniversary of the fife and drum band activities, various events have been organized to encourage as many children as possible to engage in the band activities. Under the slogan \u201cLet\u2019s experience the joy of unity of mind with as many children as possible,\u201d efforts are in place to enhance the fife and drum band activities.<\/p>\n
\nAfter the Children\u2019s Pilgrimage to Jiba concluded on the 4th, the \u201cGathering of Appreciation\u201d was held at the East Worship Hall before the evening service at the Main Sanctuary. This gathering brought together those involved including members of Church Headquarters\u2019 resident staff and event staff, as well as people who engaged in hinokishin.<\/p>\n