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About 30 teachers gathered
for a one-day Shinto workshop held at the Japan society of New
York on October 5, 2001. This was a joint program by the Japan
Society and ISF to provide opportunities for schoolteachers to
learn about Shinto and other Japanese religions.
In the morning session, Professor Ryuichi Abe of Columbia University
gave an excellent introduction about the Japanese concept of religions.
Religious symbols and rituals are well incorporated into daily
lives of Japanese people who respect sacredness of place and objects,
such as Omamori, an amulet which hangs on the front mirror of
Japanese taxi cabs. The word Omamori literally means 'protection'
symbolizing divine protection from traffic accidents. Therefore,
he said, if you ask a taxi driver to sell it to you, he/she will
not because it is sacred and personal.
A small Kamidana, altar, was prepared for the afternoon session.
As Rev. Setsuko Umeda conducted a Shinto prayer ritual, ISF Director
General, Yoshimi Umeda gave a step-by-step explanation. After
the prayer, the teachers raised interesting questions such as:
In the ritual, the Priestess called for Kami's descent. Where
is Kami descending from? What type of Kami came down here? Are
the Kami Japanese or American?
ISF received very positive feedback from the participants. For
most of the teachers, this was their first encounter with Shinto.
ISF hopes this opportunity will encourage them to teach Shinto
and its culture in their schools.
ISF expresses heartfelt thanks to Ms. Elaine Vukov, Ms. Laura
Simms and Ms. Kazuko Minamoto of the Japan Society for their efforts
in making the program a success. |
Professor Abe explaining religion environment
of Japan
ISF Director General, Mr. Umeda explaining Shintoism. |
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