200-day countdown

September 21 marked the 200-day countdown to the start of the 750th Memorial for Shinran Shonin which will begin on April 9, 2011. A stage was set up at the Goeido-mon gate for a Japanese calligraphy and Kyogen performance by Japanese renowned entertainers.

An’non Torch Relay

Half a year before the start of the 750th Memorial for Shinran Shonin, the An’non Torch Relay has travelled throughout the Hongwanji districts in Japan beginning on September 16 and returning to Hongwanji on October 8. Commemoration events included a parade carrying the flame through the Hongwanji-neighboring Monzencho community, a music event at Kyoto Station, and the illumination of 1200 candles decorating the moat in front of Hongwanji. Passersby at Kyoto Station were entertained by the Ryukoku University Heian Junior and Senior High School Symphonic Band, a vocal group known as Kissaquo, who sings the An’non Torch Relay theme song Michi, and a special guest performance by a Japanese rock singer.