Japan- Aichi, Hokkaido, and Fukuoka recently conducted the Omachiuke service (special service in anticipation) for the 750th Memorial for Shinran Shonin in 2011.
On April 25 the Tokai district held its Omachiuke in Nagoya at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. The service began at 11:00 am starting with a musical rendition of Shoshinge which was led by a chorus group comprised of 700 choir members from within the district. As the highlight of the special occasion, a concert was given by enka (traditional-style Japanese popular music) singer, Aki Yashiro.
Based on the district’s theme “En- tsunagari” or connection, various activities were held from May 20 – 25 at the Sapporo Betsuin. In anticipation for the Memorial observance beginning in April 2011 at Hongwanji in Kyoto, sangha members were given the opportunity to receive their Buddhist names during a special Confirmation rite ceremony that was held in conjunction with the district’s Omachiuke.
Most recently held was the Omachiuke service in Fukuoka, bringing together the 8 districts within Kyushu and Okinawa. The joint service was held at the Marine Messe Fukuoka convention complex. The service conducted of 3 sections, beginning with an original play performed by theater troupe ‘Showmanship’ and members of the Chikushi Jogakuen Junior and Senior High School girl’s chorus.  The play was based on the life history of Shinran Shonin with a message for us who live in modern day society to reflect on the significance of life. The second part of the service included the presentation of flowers to the Buddha by various representatives.  The service was then concluded with the choral version of Shoshinge.

 

(Excerpts from Hongwanji Journal, May 10, and June 10 and 20, 2010)