Embassy news

Sep 18th 2012: The 32nd Annual Chidorigafuchi Memorial Service for All who Perished in War

Dr. Khalil Hassan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Japan attended the 32nd Annual Chidorigafuchi Memorial Service for All who Perished in War sponsored by Nichiren Shu. The memorial service for the war dead and prayers for world peace was held at the Chidorigafuchi Graveyard for the War Dead in Tokyo on August 15, the 63rd anniversary of the end of World War Two. Officiated by Rev. Joshin Komatsu, Chief Administrator, it was the 50th memorial service held by the sect since the graveyard was funded in 1959. Altogether 400 people, including priests and Nichiren Shu devotees attended the service. Recognition is given for excellent compositions written by the students of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha affiliated schools with the theme of “Renunciation of war” reading of the composition by the awarded students. The 50 representatives placed flowers before the Buddha during the singing of the Buddhist songs, Mihotokewa and Tsuito no Uta (Song of Mourn) followed by ringing the Bell of peace and reading the statement of peace. During the chanting, invited guests were requested to go before the altar and burn incense in memory and in respect for the deceased.