To further introduce the customs and traditions of Japan, the
New York Branch of the International Shinto Foundation presented
a Shinto Workshop to a group of the JETaa New York members (Japan
Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association) at the ISF offices (Interfaith
Center) in Manhattan.
In presenting the one-hour program, Rev. Mitsutaka Inui introduced
the group to Shinto by performing a brief ceremony in front
of the Shinto altar; a 20 minute video of the Millennium Summit
and lecture, followed by questions and answers between Rev.
Inui and the attendees.
ISF Workshops have been established to further encourage international
and academic groups to understand the philosophy and teachings
of the Japanese culture.
The JETaa's mission is to foster education and understanding
of the Japanese culture thereby strengthening ties between their
organization and the Japanese community.
The program was well received and a few of the participants
have offered their thoughts and comments on the Workshop:
"Reverend Inui was warm and easy to talk to.
I appreciated that he took a lot of time to answer our questions.
He answered all types of questions- simple and complex- with
a lot of care and thought. I would definitely attend another
workshop led by Rev. Inui."
"We were lucky to have the opportunity to learn
about Shinto (sometimes described as "The Way of the
Kami," one of the foundations of Japanese culture), at
Reverend Inui's workshop for new JETs. As a former resident
of Japan, I gained new insights on the faith and added to
what knowledge I had picked up while living there. Reverend
Inui's detailed and well-focused lecture, sprinkled with humor
and complemented by his benevolent presence, was enjoyable
and informative. His answers to our many questions were equally
thought-provoking. I would be very interested in attending
another Shinto-related event at the Interfaith Center."
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