Reflection on a Japan study tour hosted by the International Association for Religious Freedom

Beginning with Buddhists

The trip from 6-20 May first took the group to Rissho Kosei-Kai in Tokyo, a new Buddhist lay movement that emerged in the 20th century. The monumental main building, the Grand Sacred Hall, captivates visitors with murals depicting Buddha’s life, enlightenment, and mission; the temple or assembly hall, with 1,400 seats, can accommodate up to 8,000 people and made a strong impression on the visitors with its aesthetic appeal. The Rissho Kosei-Kai is the largest Buddhist organization in Japan. Its cofounder, Nikkyo Niwano (1906-1999) also cofounded Religions for Peace. As an observer at the Second Vatican Council, he was impressed by the idea of interreligious dialogue and wanted to contribute to its realization to work toward world peace. The Lotus Sutra, with its call to save all people and leave no one behind, is central to this: the lotus is considered a symbol of purity; the lotus flower rises from the swamp and unfolds.

The informal study tour to Japan helped strengthen ties and foster greater mutual understanding. A former Anglican priest and now Buddhist philosopher, offered the guests an introduction to Buddhism, like the monthly (online) courses he teaches at the IARF’s Free Religion Institute. He combines Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhism with his Unitarian Universalist background – which several guests also share – and leaves open the question of whether theologically, this represents a connection between Buddha and Christ as a symbol. The Swiss liberal theologian Fritz Buri had presented such a symbolic connection in detail in the 1980s during interfaith dialogue with philosophers of the Kyoto School. This question remains open to this day.

Way of life

In Tokyo, participants received a first encounter with Shinto, Japan’s Indigenous, ancient nature-based religion (or way of life), which is practiced in shrines. The Meiji Shrine, located near the Imperial Palace, is dedicated to the worship of the emperor.

In Hiroshima, the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was marked. Time seems to stand still in the Hiroshima Peace Museum.

This gathering marked the first exchange event with overseas members since this Hiroshima district was created in 2019. They have an unique role and mission in advancing peace, e.g. in outreach seminars, online testimonies by atomic-bomb survivors and as guides. Dialogue among participants also contributes to shared pursuit of world peace.

Attuned to nature

Located in the Kyoto area is the Ittoen project, a significant community comprising approximately 100 households and some 300 people today. Founded by Tenko Nishida in 1904, the project is based on the idea that work should be understood as a way of giving thanks to life, rather than as a means of survival or earning money. The members live without possessions, practicing a spirit of service, repentance, and forgiveness. In being attuned to nature, true peace emanates from the heart; the truth of all phenomena is light and can signify God, Buddha, or Mother Nature. A small museum preserves historical documents chronicling its origins.

A well-known symbol of Shintoism in Japan is the Itsukushima Shrine with its imposing, water-surrounded red gate. The Tsubaki Grand Shrine was another highlight of the study tour. On the one hand, this was due to the meeting with members of the Chubu branch of the chapter, on the other hand, it was the Misogi purification ritual, which is led and performed twice a month. The ritual is preceded by rigorous physical exercises to prepare the body to withstand the cold water that cascades down onto the shoulder blades. It was a deeply meaningful and lasting experience for everyone involved.

Ancient Japanese rituals

The annual Aoi Matsuri on 15 May – a parade lasting several hours in front of the ancient Imperial Palace in Kyoto – is another example of ancient Japanese rituals and is deeply rooted in tradition. A Japanese member of the group, a professor, holds monthly matsuri with students who are dedicated to exchange, presentation of studies, and socializing.

In Osaka, the Konko Church of Izuo (1927) gained prominence. Rooted in the Shinto-tradition, it sees itself as a new religion with its own distinct character. The term “church” signifies that it is built on a communal foundation. This creates a similarity to the structure of Western churches, featuring a congregation, worship services, prayers, and sermons for approximately 1,500 people. The church continues to be led by the founding Miyake family.

The stay at Koyasan Temple felt almost like a short retreat. The entire complex, comprising 117 temples, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the center of Shingon Buddhism. Here, too, there is a keen interest in interreligious dialogue, based on a natural theology that holds that every sincere religious path participates in the same cosmic reality. On this level, it is possible to encounter other traditions not as rivals, but as fellow expressions of the same underlying truth. However, in Japan, religion is culturally viewed as a private matter – for example, for ceremonies – so that substantial theological exchange between religious communities is rare, according to the head priest’s response.

For the guests, the experience of Hiroshima, the Misogi purification ritual at the waterfall, the pursuit of “harmony” as an inner balance, and the omnipresent friendliness of the Japanese people – expressed as respect for fellow human beings – left a deep impression.