It was in 1963, just before I was sent to the Los Angeles Center, that I paid my first visit to Rev. Higuchi for an interview. She was staying at a quiet Japanese hotel on a hillside in Atami. Thinking of meeting the head minister of the United States, I was somewhat tense; however, as soon as I saw Rev. Higuchi, I felt as though I had known her a long time. I was impressed by her natural and friendly manner. She was a person who was easy to talk to. Moreover, what surprised me most was...

Our special annual and monthly ancestral services and ceremonies are time-honored traditions. In cultures around the world, these customs have spanned hundreds of years, reflecting historical ancestral traditions which celebrate special occasions to remember departed souls. In our fellowship, we pay homage to ancestors through anniversary observances, prayers, and food offerings during special occasions. Additionally, shrines and special altars are dedicated in some homes. Memorial Day is a...

Every year during the month of May, we hold a special service in honor of our ancestors. We prepare favorite food and drinks that our ancestors enjoyed and place them on a special altar, as a symbolic offering to them. While they cannot partake in these food offerings in the physical sense, the expression of love and appreciation is represented through this ceremony and the prayers offered on their behalf. In the United States, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, in honor of...