Japan: A Life Changing Adventure
US Embassy to Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Jim Zumwalt encourages young students to act as grassroots ambassadors at luncheon in Tokyo
By Nan Peterson, Blake School Faculty
My sincere thanks to the Shinnyo-en Foundation for the gift of a lifetime given to eight Blake School teachers and students and to SEF Fellows. We were treated as royalty and educated about the culture, history and geography of Japan as well as the Shinnyo-en Order. We were given a chance to see the world from a new perspective and to learn about ourselves.
Smiling for peace at the Peace Park in Hiroshima
US Embassy to Japan Jim Zumwalt at luncheon in Tokyo with Nan Peterson
The Japan adventure began in San Francisco at the Shinnyo-en Foundation office. We engaged in hands on learning experiences where we were introduced to Japan, Shinnyo-en Foundation and Order and to each other. This preflection set the stage for the adventure ahead and welcomed us into a circle of trust with fellow travelers. We first visited the exciting vibrant city of Tokyo! From the top of the Tokyo Tower we could see sky scraping buildings to the horizon in every direction; we got a sense of the size of this metropolis and the 33 million inhabitants. The city was so clean; the transportation systems so efficient. We loved using the trains, subways, buses, and taxis. It was very interesting to have a very formal elegant luncheon meeting with James Zumwalt, Deputy Chief of Mission, and Mark of The Embassy of the United States of America ; we learned about Japanese US relationships and did a presentation on service and peace.
We learned of Japanese history and WWII at the Japanese History Museum; this began our thinking of the tragedy of war and the necessity of peace.
The highlight of the trip was attending The Celebration of Joy led by Her Holiness at beautiful O’gen-In.
We enjoyed the chanting, the music, the love shared between Her Holiness and the international followers. This beautiful service gave us a beautiful view into Shinnyo-en practice, tradition and belief system. By bullet train we traveled to the ancient capital of Kyoto.
It was exciting to see the city scape blend into the countryside; we enjoyed seeing rice growing in beautiful green patches. Kyoto is a cultural center with traditional architecture and a slower pace. We enjoyed visiting a Shinto shrine. We were thrilled to visit Daigo-ji, the ancient temple and educational center where Shinjo Ito received training and inspiration to lead The Shinnyo-en Order. We enjoyed seeing the lovely Golden Palace and garden; we were excited to see the Nijo Castle and learn about the Shogun history. My favorite site was the Ryukyo garden and center. This area was recently restored by Shinnyo-en to a most beautiful garden and art center. I found the restored garden of trees, moss, streams, waterfalls, stepping stones, and mountains to be calm, peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful. 
The restoration inspires me to begin some restoration in my own life. I will always treasure this calm beautiful memory. Ryukyo is a treasured gift to the world. Again by bullet train we traveled quickly to Hiroshima. We were prepared for the learning in Hiroshima by watching a fascinating DVD “The Barefoot Gen” ; this experience gave us a framework to begin to understand the human cost of war.
Relaxing at the peaceful Ryukyo-in Gardens in Kyoto
A Hiroshima survivor spoke with us; that experience made the history come alive. We visited the Hiroshima Museum and Peace Garden where we saw the history of WWII, the tragedy of Hiroshima, the cost of war, and the invitation to peace given by the people of Japan.
Reflection meeting in Hiroshima
Deep group reflection helped us process all we saw and learned; this reflection gave meaning and structure to our thoughts.
Blake School Students fold origami cranes, a symbol of peace, to leave at Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park
This Hiroshima experience forever changed us and encouraged us to see all of humanity as one. We learned about Japan, about Shinnyo-en, and about ourselves. Deepest gratitude to Shinnyo-en Foundation for this life changing experience. We all are all transformed by a deep connection to Japan, each other and ourselves.This trip encouraged compassion and an ability to see the world through a different lens. We learned to see a viewpoint in addition to our own. We expanded our circle of care and concern and our ability to connect with others. Our deepest gratitude to Dr. Haru Inouye and the Foundation for this life changing experience.
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