稲荷道場Inari Dōjō “大祓詞Ōharae-no-kotoba” Session has begun!
“Episode 1: Introduction and History” Released to Public on our YouTube channel ShintoInari https://youtu.be/PuS1lufza2Y
On Friday, July 31st, we have launched our Inari Dōjō, which is a virtual Dōjō with lectures about Shinto, Japanese culture, customs, traditions, and language as well as Japanese pop culture!
Our first Dōjō session will be “Ōharae-no-kotoba Session, Episode 1: Introduction and History,” which will be open to the public. After this first episode, the “Ōharae-no-kotoba” Sessions will be accessible only to our members.
The Ōharae-no-kotoba session will consist of 14 episodes, with Episode 2 discussing the overall meaning, followed by Episodes 3 to 14 which will explore the translations. For each episode, you can read Ōharae-no-kotoba with the Shinto priest!
In order to access all Inari Dōjō lectures, you will need to join our membership. For details please visit our website ShintoInari.org or Patreon.com/ShintoInari
Supporter Club website and Patreon page have launched
June 20th, 2020 is said to be a day of 一粒万倍Ichiryūmanbai — an auspicious day in the Japanese calendar to begin a new endeavor. As such, the nature-friendly spiritual group, Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America (a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization) is delighted to announce our new projects!
Our supporter club has named “Kitsune Club”— thank you for your suggestions! We have also launched our logo and fundraising website, SNS accounts.
Website www.KitsuneClub.org
Instagram @ KitsuneClubOrg
Twitter @KitsuneClubOrg
Facebook @KitsuneClubOrg
We have also launched a page on Patreon.com. For details or to become a supporter (and gain access to special members-only privileges), please visit:
www.Patreon.com/ShintoInari
All profits from through these projects and related products and services will be directed towards opening a community center in Los Angles and will fund events at the center and worldwide to introduce an eco-conscious, traditional Japanese way of living so that the next generation may enjoy nature as we do.
If more people are willing to follow this traditional way of living, the world will shift to value and protect nature, stop climate change, save endangered species, and embrace clean energy and environment!
Your support makes people’s future better!
May the Nature Spirits be with you!
YouTube Live Stream of Shinto Service 夏祭りNatsu-Matsuri / Summer Blessing on Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 at 7:00pm (PDT)
On Tuesday, June 9th, Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America will hold its annual 夏祭りNatsu-matsuri (Summer Blessing) Shinto service to show our respect and appreciation to the nature spirits / Kami-sama and ask them to bless us with success and a bountiful harvest. We will also ask that they protect us from natural disasters such as floods and drought during the summer months.
Our parent shrine in Japan traditionally holds this annual Natsu-matsuri on June 10th. In past years, the head priest of the American branch traveled to Japan to participate and would lead the American branch service at the same time. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year we will hold the Natsu-matsuri service at the American branch for the first time.
Due to the time difference between Los Angeles (where our US branch located) and Japan, the Los Angeles service will be held on June 9th so as to coincide with the main service at our parent shrine.
We plan to live stream the service on YouTube starting at 7:00pm (PDT) on the channel “ShintoInari”. We hope that you can pray with us wherever you are at the time. During the live stream we will also announce the name of our Supporter Club! Thank you for your participation in our naming survey!
May the Nature Spirits/Kami-sama be with you!
夏越之祓Nagoshi-no-Harae is coming up! -This year, we need this more than ever! –
Purify and recharge your spirit for the summer!!
From ancient times, the Japanese people practiced 夏越之祓Nagoshi-no-Harae, a prayer to purify and to rid themselves of the first half of the year’s 厄難yakunan (illness, accident, fight etc…) or “bad luck” and kegare, or “withered spirit”. Over the course of the first half of the year, the energy of a person’s spirit is diminished by tiredness, stress, and other pressures, so Nagoshi-no-Harae rituals are performed every June to cleanse and refresh this energy and recharge the spirit. Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America provides these traditional services with mystic rituals that have been passed down through the generations of our family.
One such ritual is the use of 人形 hitogata on which have been written the mystic words, “十種神宝Tokusa-no-kamdakara.” Hitogata are slips of paper cut into the shape of a person, and it is believed that the hitogata represents the person concerned. In the Nagoshi-no-Harae service, the hitogata is thought to carry all of that person’s kegare.
[How to use hitogata]
1. Write your name and age on the front of hitogata.
2. Wipe on the body part one wishes to improve or renew with the hitogata.
For example, one suffering from knee pain would wipe the hitogata on their knee, or, if they wish to be smarter, on their head.
3. Breathe upon the hitogata.
4. Complete the application form and select the package plan. The application form and package plan list are here! Additional application form and hitogata are here.
Dear international participant(s), we kindly ask that you cover shipping costs for your plan (hitogata plan excluded). Thank you for your understanding. Please note that local customs regulations may prohibit the shipping of Chinowa and rice to some countries.
5. Prepare the service fee.
6. Mailed (it must reach us no later than June 27th) or hand to the Shrine staff before the Nagoshi-no-Harae
NOTE: We are still not sure whether we will be able to hold the service open to the public due to the current pandemic. We will announce via our newsletter, website and SNS.
We will hold the Nagoshi-no-Harae service on June 30th with your hitogata and notify you of the completion of the service. We will then send your package if you requested one.
YouTube Live of Monthly Shinto service Tsukinami-sai: Showing Respect and Appreciation and Asking for Blessings from the Nature Spirits. Monday, June 1st, 2020 at 12:00pm (PDT)
Monday, June 1st, Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America will hold a monthly Tsukinami-sai Shinto services to show respect and appreciation, and ask for blessings from the nature spirits. We plan to live stream the service on YouTube starting at 12:00pm (PDT) on the channel “ShintoInari”. We hope that you can pray with us wherever you are at the time.
YouTube Live of Monthly Shinto service Tsukinami-sai Showing Respect and Appreciation and Asking for Blessings from the Nature Spirits on Friday, May 1st 2020 at 12:00pm (PDT)
From Friday, May 1st, Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America will begin holding monthly Tsukinami-sai Shinto services to show respect and appreciation and ask for blessings from the nature spirits. We plan to stream the service live on YouTube starting at 12:00pm on the channel “ShintoInari”. We hope that you can pray with us wherever you are at the time.
Since we have two new members for our Sukeikai membership, we will combine the Tsukinami-sai with the celebration of their induction. Also, since we have four members who will be having a birthday this month, we will hold a birth-month Kigan Gokito blessing service after the Tsukinami-sai after the conclusion of the livestream.
Supporter Club Name Survey will be the end of April 30th, 2020
A Friendly reminder! We are going to close the Support Club name Survey by the end of this month (April 30th) . So far we got 75 responses. Arigato gozaimasu for your participation! If you have not submitted yet, please do so now!
So far we have received “Shino Inari Club” 26%, and “Kitsune Club” 22%.
The funny ones are “Inari Ninja” and “Jinja Ninjas!”
We are looking forward to hearing your response!
The survey link is here!
Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is planning to start a Supporter Club program to introduce Japanese culture, Shinto to a wide range of people and raise funds to bring the first Shinto Shrine to the Los Angeles area since World War II. Initially, we are planning to have a pop-up/mobile Shinto Shrine so we can visit your area, and you can experience Japanese culture, and show your appreciation and pay your respects to the nature spirits. Later, we will build a permanent Shinto Shrine where we can hold annual Omatsuri and various services as well as wedding ceremonies and funeral services.
The first assistance we would like to ask of our Supporter Club is for help in choosing its name:
Shinto Inari
Shinto Club
Shinto Inari Club
Kitsune Club
Inari Club
Team Inari
Team Kitsune
Let us know your preference via this link!https://forms.gle/uc55M7n5FFponyg3A
Everyone who completes the form and registers for our newsletter will have a chance to win a gift from the Shrine. We appreciate your support!
Stay safe and well!
May the Nature Spirits be with you!
Dear Earth: Live stream of Shinto ceremony to Show Appreciation to mother nature on Earth Day, April 22nd
YouTube Link —- https://youtu.be/HdhALFB-EG4
Channel —- ShintoInari
Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America will hold a Shinto ceremony to show appreciation to our mother nature on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22nd, at 12noon (PDT). We plan to stream the service on YouTube live (link will be announced later). We hope that you can join us wherever you are at the time.
Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is planning to start a Supporter Club program to introduce Japanese culture, Shinto to a wide range of people and raise funds to bring the first Shinto Shrine to the Los Angeles area since World War II. The first assistance we would like to ask of our Supporter Club is for help in choosing its name. Let us know your preference via this link!
https://forms.gle/uc55M7n5FFponyg3A
Passing along eco-conscious traditions to the next generation.
Shinto is a mindset and way of living with respect for nature, living things and our ancestors, and it has long been recognized as Japan’s cultural root. Unlike Buddhism, Christianity, or other religions, Shinto has no holy texts, and there is no individual founder. It is said that Shinto has been practiced for more than 2,000 years.
One of the most important elements of Shinto is paying respect and seeking harmony between people and nature, among our families, communities, and the world. In today’s society, the need to strive for these goals has become more apparent than ever before.
We hold various events introducing the traditional Japanese eco-conscious way of life so that future generations can enjoy nature as we do. Details about Shinto and these events can be found on our Newsletter, website, and social media.
Please join and enjoy our events!!
Stay safe and well!
May the Kami-sama be with you!
Supporter Club Name Survey
Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is planning to start a Supporter Club program to introduce Japanese culture, Shinto to a wide range of people and raise funds to bring the first Shinto Shrine to the Los Angeles area since World War II. Initially, we are planning to have a pop-up/mobile Shinto Shrine so we can visit your area, and you can experience Japanese culture, and show your appreciation and pay your respects to the nature spirits. Later, we will build a permanent Shinto Shrine where we can hold annual Omatsuri and various services as well as wedding ceremonies and funeral services.
The first assistance we would like to ask of our Supporter Club is for help in choosing its name:
Shinto Inari
Shinto Club
Shinto Inari Club
Kitsune Club
Inari Club
Team Inari
Team Kitsune
Let us know your preference via this link!https://forms.gle/uc55M7n5FFponyg3A
Everyone who completes the form and registers for our newsletter will have a chance to win a gift from the Shrine. We appreciate your support!
Stay safe and well!
May the Nature Spirits be with you!
Live stream of Shinto service to Pray for a Rapid End to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America will hold a Shinto service to pray for a rapid end of the Coronavirus pandemic on Sunday, April 5th, at 12noon (PDT).
We plan to stream the service on Instagram live (@ShintoInari). We hope that you can pray with us wherever you are at the time.
The program of the service will be as follows:
- 修祓 Shubatsu: Purification
- 斎主一拝 Saishu Ippai: A Single Bow
- 献饌 Kensen: Presentation of Offerings
- 祝詞奏上 Norito Sōjō: Prayers
- 玉串拝礼 Tamagushi Hairei: Ritual Stick Offering
- 撤饌 Tessen: Removal of Offerings
- 斎主一拝 Saishu Ippai: A Single Bow
- 閉式 Closing the Service
May the Kami-sama be with you!
Rev. Izumi Hasegawa
Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America
!!!WE ARE CHANGING OUR NAME!!!
Our new name will be
SHINTO SHRINE OF SHUSSE INARI IN AMERICA.
Spring has come and a fresh start has begun! This spring, we at Shusse Inari Shrine of America will be changing our name to Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America.
Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
!!!Our new SNS accounts!!!
In addition to changing the name of our organization, please note that our social networking accounts have also been updated to reflect the new name.
Facebook – @ShintoInari
Instagram – @ShintoInari
Twitter – @ShintoInari
Please make sure to follow our new accounts and stay in touch!
We have seen an increase in the number of people interested in Shinto since we opened our US branch in 2017. Our new name will make us easier to find for people who have an interest in Shinto.
This spring, we will begin raising funds to bring the first Shinto Shrine to the Los Angeles area since World War II. Initially, we are planning to have a pop-up/mobile Shinto Shrine so we can visit your area, and you can experience Japanese culture and show your appreciation and pay your respects to the nature spirits. Later, we will build a permanent Shinto Shrine where we can hold annual Omatsuri and various Gokitō services as well as wedding ceremonies and funeral services.
We will announce the fundraising program when it is ready. Stay tuned!
May the Nature Spirits be with you!
Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America
Rev. Izumi Hasegawa
Irei-sai 震災死没者慰霊祭
We regret to inform you that our Irei-sai on Saturday, March 7th, at LAPD Headquarters has been canceled. The Irei-sai is part of the Love to Nippon program. The Love to Nippon itself has been canceled due to the coronavirus.
However, Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America will hold a private Irei-sai at the US branch office by Rev. Hasegawa on March 10th, 10:46 pm (it is the time when the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake occurred).
So I hope everyone will take a moment and pray with me, wherever you will be at that time, and look in the direction of Japan to show respect to the spirits who lost their lives during 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and Tsunami as well as the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake.
Irei-sai 原爆死没者慰霊祭
Memorial service for the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs will be held on this Saturday, February 22nd, 12:15 pm at Little Tokyo. Please pray and pay respects with us for the spirits of the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Bombs. (Free for attending to Irei-sai).
After the memorial service, our head priest, Rev. Izumi Hasegawa, will be joined on stage by children who will read peace messages from Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the Mixed-Arts show”Afternoon of Peace: Hiroshima & Nagasaki Experience” (produced by Rev. Hasegawa with support from President Obama’s sister). We have some give-away tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reply to this email if you are interested. Note: Tickets are not required for attending Irei-sai.
What: Irei-sai
When: Saturday, February 22nd, 12:15 pm
Where: Courtyard of Aratani Theater, Japanese Cultural Community Center in Little Tokyo (244 San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA)
Website: www.ShintoShrine.org
What: Mixed-Arts show
“Afternoon of Peace: Hiroshima & Nagasaki Experience”
When: Saturday, February 22nd, 2:00 pm
Where: Aratani Theater, Japanese Cultural Community Center in Little Tokyo (244 San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA)
Tickets: $30.00
Website: http://www.jaccc.org/afternoon-of-peace
節分祭Setsubun-sai, recharging spirits, and yakubarai
We will hold Setsubun-sai on Saturday, February 1st,
at the Seiwa Market in Torrance (FREE to attend!)
Seeking men and women who were born in the Year of the Rat to participate throwing beans in the ceremony.
We will hold Setsubun-sai on Saturday, February 1st, at the Seiwa Market in Torrance (21815 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503). Anyone can attend this ceremony.
After the ceremony, we will provide Setsubun no Harai and gokitō such as yakubarai for yakudoshi (critical year) services.
We also distribute ehōmaki (lucky sushi roll) made by our blessed rice, which is our collaboration with Koda Farms. (Ehōmaki will be limited 30 pieces.)
Let’s pass along Japanese tradition, culture and customs to the next generation!
Men and Women of the Year of the Rat
We are looking for two men and women who were born in the Year of the Rat. They will participate in the throwing beans ceremony with the Shinto priest and assist distributing beans after the ceremony. We friendly request to donate ohatsuhorō as a participating fee.
About Setsubun
The original meaning of Setsubun is “dividing season,” and the beginning of each of the four seasons was called Setsubun. However, the day before the first day of spring in the lunar calendar is New Year’s Eve, and as it marks the seasonal change from harsh winter to spring, it came to be considered an especially important day. During the Edo period, Setsubun came to exclusively mean the day before the first day of spring. This year, the first day of spring is actually February 4th, making Setsubun February 3rd, but we will hold Setsubun-sai on February 1st due to venue availability. We will hold this Setsubun ceremony to show respect and appreciation and present our wishes to the nature spirits. This ceremony is free to attend.
About Setsubun-no-harai
This is a very traditional ritual service that has been passed from generation to generation for many years in Shusse Inari Shrine. This ritual is centered around the use of hitogata. From ancient times, the Japanese people have prayed for purification, and to be rid of the previous year’s kegare. New Year’s rituals are for cleansing and refreshing of energy for their spirit. Kegare is often translated as “withered spirit.” Over the course of the year, the energy of a person’s spirit is diminished by tiredness, stress, and other pressures, so New Year’s rituals are performed to cleanse and refresh this energy and recharge the spirit.
Hitogata and application forms are here.
Note: Attendance of this ritual service is not required.
About yakudoshi (Females ages: 18, 32, 36 / Males ages: 24, 41, 60)
Over the many years of a person’s life, many changes may take place in their body and/or environment. As a result, it is said there is a risk of meeting with misfortune. Years in which there is an increased chance of misfortune are called yakudoshi, meaning “Critical Years.” It is apparent from historical texts that yakudoshi already existed as a custom during the Heian Period in Japan (794 CE–1185 CE). However, yakudoshi are not the only years that one needs to take into account. In addition to the designated critical year (or hon-yaku), the year before a critical year (mae-yaku), and the year after (ato-yaku) also require careful attention in order to avoid misfortune. For this reason, it is necessary to think of yakudoshi as a three-year period. During this three-year period, people go to Shinto shrines in order to receive prayers from priests to ward off evil and to cleanse themselves of its influence. People also pray to purify their bad luck and for good luck charms to bring about better fortune. If you wish to hold a yakubarai gokitō, please make an appointment beforehand. The length of gokitō is approximately 15 minutes.
To schedule a gokitō appointment, please email here.
When: Saturday, February 1st
Setsubun-sai (FREE): 12 pm to 12:45 pm
Gokitō (by appointment only): 1 pm to 2:30 pm
Where: Seiwa Market Torrance (21815 Hawthorne Blvd. Torrance, CA 90503)
Setsubun-sai goshuin will be available!
初詣 Hatsumōde / New Years Praying
Yes!!! We will be back to have booth at Little Tokyo on the New Years Day, January 1st, 2020!
We will hold Saitan-sai for praying people’s happiness, safety, success and world peace. You are very welcome to attend Saitan-sai as well as personal prayer. We will have Hamaya, Kumade, Ofuda and Omamori as well as Gokitoh such as Yakuyoke etc… (Please make appointment for Gokitoh before Dec. 30th).
We are looking for volunteers for this New Years event. Please contact us for details.
When: Wednesday, January 1st, 2020
Saitan-sai: 11am – 11:30am (please join us freely)
Hatsumode, Shinto goods and services: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Where: Little Tokyo News Years Celebration event area
(Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St., Los Angeles)
“Japanese Mythology & Shinto” Lecture in New York
Shusse Inari Shrine of America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is holding a Japan onboarding with their “Japanese Mythology & Shinto?” lecture being hosted at the NYC Parks Citywide Services Building on Saturday, October 26th. We coordinate various events to introduce traditional Japanese eco-conscious ways of life so that future generations can enjoy nature as we do.
Shinto is a mindset and way of living with respect and appreciation for nature, living things and our ancestors, and it has long been recognized as Japan’s cultural root. Shinto has no holy texts, there is no individual founder and it is said that Shinto has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. One of the most important elements of Shinto practice is paying respect, showing appreciation to the nature spirits, and seeking harmony between people and nature, among our families, communities, and the world. In today’s society, the need to strive for these goals has become more apparent than ever before.
In this lecture, we introduce the traditional Japanese way of life to respect and appreciate the spirits of nature, as well as the ways to pay tribute which have been passed across countless Japanese generations. Especially in autumn, which is harvest season, we show our appreciation to the nature spirits which give us food and help us reap the bounty of nature. We will also discuss additional efforts to connect New York City to Japan and further ways to get involved with nature and agriculture both nationally and internationally. Through this event, please show your appreciation and reverence for the nature spirits.
Who: Shusse Inari Shrine and GROW Externships
What: “Japanese Mythology & Shinto” lecture and activities
Where: The NYC Parks Citywide Services Building,
20 Bronx Shore Road, Randall’s Island, NY, 10035 (2nd Floor Training Room).
When: Saturday, October 26th, 12noon – 3pm (Lecture & Activities)
Fee: Free and free Japanese snacks will be served!
RSVP & inquiries: here
It’s time to show your appreciation to Kami.
In Japan, we hold Aki (Autumn) Matsuri on sometime Autumn and show appreciation to spirit which gave/help us harvest, achievement, success and connections in the year. So Please come and show your appreciation and pray for next years to the spirts.
753 (Shichi-go-san) ceremony
In Japan, Shichi-Go-San (753) is celebrated every November 15th. This ceremony is performed to honor children and dates back to the 17th century. Held for all children who are three, boys who are five, and girls who are seven, the ceremony is a very big day in their lives (ages are in Asian reckoning*). Children are dressed in their best traditional clothes that are age appropriate, and their parents take them to a shrine to be blessed by priests. The parents and children both offer their thanks to the deity in appreciation. For the parents, this marks a significant step in their child’s life and one in which the parents are grateful for the child’s health and well-being.
Shusse Inari Shrine of America 501(c)3 offers blessing services for 753 this year at same day of Aki Matsuri. Ceremonies require an appointment. As follow the tradition, an omamori (charm), chitose ame (thousand-year candy) and gift will be given for each child who participates in a 753 ceremony. *Asian reckoning: the year of your birth counts as being one year old. So if you are 20 years old, you are 21 years old in Asian reckoning.
Nadeshiko Kai, Japanese Culture and Traditions Inc. will provide rental and wear Kimono service as well as photo shooting service. Please contact details directly www.nadeshikokai.org
When: Sunday, November 10th
Autumn Matsuri: 10:30am ＊Please join us freely
753 Ceremony: Every 30 mins from 11am to 2:30pm (appointment required)
Where: South Bay Dance Center, Hall E
(24827 S. Western Ave., Lomita, CA 90717)
753 Ceremony fee: minimum $50 per child (An Omamori, Chitose ame and gift including)
RSVP & inquiries: here
We will provide exclusive Shichi-go-san/Aki matsuri Goshuin at that day!
We are looking for volunteers. Please contact us if you are interested in.
May Shusse Inari Okami-sama be with you!!
Shinto Lecture and Miko Training
at Anime Expo 2019 were FULL HOUSE!
At the Anime Expo 2019, we got overwhelming respond for our lecture and workshop. Both were FULL HOUSE!! Arigato for Otaku people who attended both event! we love you!! Nikkan San ran story about this.
アニメエキスポ2019での神道レクチャーと巫女ワークショップは大反響で、両方とも満席でした。ありがとうございました。アメリカ人が神道に強い興味を持っていることを実感！ これからも自然を大切にする日本の伝統文化、神道をみなさんに紹介していきたいと思います。
日刊サンがリポートを掲載してくださいました！
Arigato for your help Ramiro Duran, Yasuyo Makino, Nikkan San, Cultural News.
We are looking for volunteer members to support our events! Please contact us if you are interested in.
Nagoshi-no-Harae & Chinowa Service
On the day of the Service, June 30th, 2019, we performed the service for Nagoshi-no-Harae in our traditional ritual way that has been passed down from generation to generation through the long history of Shusse Inari Shrine. We read each person’s name and address who sent/handed Hitogata during the service to pray for their purification, good fortune, and happiness, as well as to recharge their spirit for a safe and healthy summer and 2nd half of the year. We pray that you will continue receiving the blessings of the Shusse Inari Spirits. Also participants built then walked through the large Chinowa wreath to pray for good health, safety, and happiness through the second half of the year. Arigato gozaimasu #VeniceLearningGarden for sharing bamboo to this ceremony.
6月30日、アメリカ出世稲荷神社では、「夏越の祓」と｢茅の輪神事」をご奉仕いたしました。人形（ひとがた）をご郵送/手渡しいただいた方は、古来より当神社に受け継がれてきた秘伝の祈祷法にて、お一人ずつご住所とお名前を読み上げて半年間の穢れ（気枯れ）を祓い、夏を元気に過ごせるよう年の後半の無病息災をご祈念いたしました。また、参列者は協力して茅の輪を作成し、次の半年の無病息災を願って茅の輪をくぐりました。日刊サンがリポートを掲載してくださいました！このリンクで確認できます！
Memorial Service for the Victims of the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami and 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, 2018 Hokkaidō earthquake
We performed Irei-sai, a Sintō Memorial service on Sunday, March 10th for the victims of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan in 2011 and 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, 2018 Hokkaidō earthquake. Our service was aired on abc TV and NHK as well as other media. Through impression of traditional Japanese ritual, Shintō service, more people got encouragement to pray victims and remember people are still suffering, have not done recovering, as well as how the importance of preparation.
NHK report can watch this link. (Note: It might have expiration date of this link).
Memorial Service for the Victims of the 2011 Tōhoku Earthquake and Tsunami
We will hold a Shintō memorial service on Sunday, March 10th for the victims of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan in 2011. This ceremony will be performed as part of the “Love to Nippon” event. Please come and pray with us for the spirits of victims.
When: Sunday, March 10th
12.00pm – 12.20pm: Irei-sai / Memorial Service
12.20pm – 2pm: Open to the Public
Where: Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters
100 W 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Message from a Shintō Priest:
Shintō is the basis of Japanese culture and customs. From ancient times, the Japanese have believed there are deities in everything, and paid their respects by building Jinja (Shintō shrines) in places where those deities are believed to reside. Japanese fishermen, whose livelihoods depend on the ocean, strongly believe in the spirits of the ocean and pay their respects in this Shintō tradition. Many fishermen and their families were victims of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
In this ceremony we will also be honoring the victims of the Kumamoto earthquake of 2016 and the Hokkaidō earthquake of 2018. Unlike the Tōhoku earthquake, these disasters primarily affected people living in mountainous areas and close to the natural forests where Shintō deities are believed to reside. As Shintō priests, it is our duty to calm these natural spirits both at sea and on land.
For over 800 years, Shusse Inari Jinja has been located in Shimane Prefecture, where all of the deities in Japan are said to gather once a year. Even though Shimane is geographically far from Tōhoku, Kumamato, and Hokkaidō, we share the same respect for Shinto deities. As a Shinto priest from Shusse Inari Jinja and Shusse Inari Shrine of America, I would like to perform a ceremony of requiem to bring peace to the spirits of the victims of this tragedy.
Our service will take roughly 20 minutes, beginning with a purification ritual and continuing with offerings and prayers for the victims. Although 20 minutes may seem like a long time, each element of the service is important, and skipping or shortening any portion would be disrespectful to both the spirits as well as the victims we are honoring.
Rev. Izumi Hasegawa
Shusse Inari Shrine of America
Passing along eco-conscious traditions to the next generation.
Shinto is a mindset and way of living with respect for nature, living things and our ancestors, and it has long been recognized as Japan’s cultural root. Unlike Buddhism, Christianity, or other religions, Shinto has no holy texts, nor individual founder. It is said that Shinto has been practiced for more than 2,000 years.
One of the most important elements of Shinto practice is paying respect and seeking harmony between people and nature, among our families, communities, and the world. In today’s society, the need to strive for these goals has become more apparent than ever before.
We hold various events introducing the traditional Japanese eco-conscious way of life so that future generations can enjoy nature as we do. Details about Shinto and these events can be found on our Newsletter, website, and social media. Please come and enjoy our events!!
May the Shusse Inari Spirits be with you!
節分祭と厄祓いご祈祷 Setsubun-sai & Yakubarai Gokitoh
We held Setsubun-sai on Friday, February 1st at Montessori International Academy (2717 South Halladay Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705). After the ceremony, we provided Setsubun-no-Harai and Yakubarai for Yakudoshi (critical year) services.
We also provided traditional ritual services for purifying and recharging the spirit. Please see below.
And we provided Gokitoh service of Yakubarai for Yakudoshi (critical year) people.
About Setsubun
The original meaning of Setsubun is “dividing season,” and the beginning of each of the four seasons was called Setsubun. However, the day before the first day of spring in the lunar calendar is New Year’s Eve, and as it marks the seasonal change from harsh winter to spring, it came to be considered an especially important day. During the Edo period, Setsubun came to exclusively mean the day before the first day of spring. This year, the first day of spring is actually February 4th, making Setsubun February 3rd, but we held Setsubun-sai on February 1st due to venue availability. We hold this Setsubun ceremony to show respect and appreciation and present our wishes to the nature spirits. This ceremony is free to attend.
About Sestubun-no-harai (Purify and recharge your spirit for The New Year).
This is a very traditional ritual service that has been passed from generation to generation for many years in Shusse Inari Shrine. This ritual is centered around the use of Hitogata. From ancient times, the Japanese people have prayed for purification, and to be rid of the previous year’s Kegare. New Year’s rituals are for cleansing and refreshing of energy for their spirit. Kegare, or “withered spirit”. Over the course of the year, the energy of a person’s spirit is diminished by tiredness, stress, and other pressures, so New Year’s rituals are performed to cleanse and refresh this energy and recharge the spirit.
We distribute Hitogata at the Setsubun-sai venue, so please let us know if you are interested in this service. Please reference our flyer for more detail about Hitogata.
The Hitogata is a minimum $10 donation in advance per participant (including the ritual service fee) Note: Attendance of this ritual service is not required.
About Yakudoshi
Over the many years of a person’s life, many changes may take place in their body and/or environment. As a result, it is said there is a risk of meeting with misfortune. Years in which there is an increased chance of misfortune are called Yakudoshi, meaning “Critical Years.” It is apparent from historical texts that Yakudoshi already existed as a custom during the Heian Period in Japan (794 CE – 1185). However, Yakudoshi are not the only years that one needs to take into account. In addition to the designated critical year (or “Hon-Yaku”), the year before a critical year (“Mae-Yaku)”, and the year after (“Ato-Yaku)”, also require careful attention in order to avoid misfortune. For this reason, it is necessary to think of Yakudoshi as a three-year period. During this three-year period, people go to Shinto Shrines in order to receive prayers from priests to ward off evil and to cleanse themselves of its influence. People also pray to purify their bad luck, and for good luck charms to bring about better fortune.
It is said that Yakudoshi begins from first day of spring, so it is customary for people of Yakudoshi age to receive Yakubarai (purification) services on that day. The Yakudoshi ages for women are 18, 32, and 36, and for men are 24, 41 and 60. We provid Yakubarai services for Yakudoshi. An appointment is required for the Yakubarai service, please contact us to schedule. The Yakudoshi service fee is minimum $60.
Purify and recharge your spirit for The New Year.
Setsubun (February 3rd) is New Years in the lunar calendar, it is the day a new season begins. From ancient times, the Japanese people have prayed for purification, and to be rid of the previous year’s Kegare. New Year’s rituals are for cleansing and refreshing of energy for their spirit. Kegare means “withered spirit.” During the year, the energy of people’s spirit gets low due to tiredness, stress, etc. Shusse Inari Shrine of America provides traditional ritual services for purifying and recharging the spirit. One of the ritual actions taken for this is the use of Hitogata. (Paper shape of human; Please see illustration). Please write your name and age on the Hitogata, then wipe the Hitogata on the body part you want to improve or renew. For example, wipe your knee if you have knee pain, or wipe your head if you want to be smarter, etc.
Finally, hand us the Hitogata before the ceremony if you plan to attend the Setsubun ceremony. We will hold 2019’s Setsubun ceremony on Feb. 1st at Montessori International Academy (2717 S. Halladay St., Santa Ana, CA), details can be found on our Newsletter, website, and social media.
If you do not plan on attending, please mail the Hitogata back to us with application form. Please print clearly since we read them during the ceremony. In Shinto, it is believed that the Hitogata represents the person concerned, so in the ceremony it carries all their Kegare.
The service fee for this purifying and recharging the spirit at Setsubun is minimum $10 per person (For our shrine members there is no fee for this purifying and recharging the spirit service, since it is included in the membership fee).
If you are interested in this service, please email us to further information. Hitogata need to be received no later than January 31st.
明けましておめでとうございます。Happy New Year!
We held Saitan-sai on January 1st at Little Tokyo for praying everybody’s prosperity, safe and healthy life as well as world peace. We wish you a new year filled with prosperity and happiness!
Arigato for all to come and pray at our booth. Arigato for volunteers to help our booth where was extremely popular in the event.
This year, we will start to organize 奉賛会Hōsankai which is a group of contributors for our shrine.
Many people have asked us the location for Shusse Inari Shrine of America and wish to visit to pray. Since Los Angeles is one of the highest land price area, we need huge help to make it happen. So that Hōsankai takes part of fundraising project for permanent place (or regular place or facility) of our Shrine. We hope you can play big role to help for fundraising and spread the word about our project to people who are interested in Shinto.
At the permanent (or regular place) of our Shrine, we would like to hold not only Omatsuri (ceremonies) and Gokitō (services) but also various events such as Japanese language class, culture class, Japanese Mythology class, exhibitions and En musubi party as well as Oharae-no-kotoba writing class, making Chino-wa, Shime-nawa, Shime-kazari and Kadomatsu.
We will announce our Hōsankai launch information when it is ready.
今年もよろしくお願いします。
May the Shusse Inari Spirits be with you!
Rev. Izumi Hasegawa
Shusse Inari Shrine of America
Upcoming events
And more upcoming events:
February: Setsubun-sai
March: Irei-sai, Hatsuuma-matsuri
初詣 Hatsumōde / New Years Praying
Yes!!! We will be back to have booth at Little Tokyo on the New Years Day, January 1st, 2019!
We will hold Saitan-sai for praying people’s happiness, safety, success and world peace. You are very welcome to attend Saitan-sai as well as personal prayer. We will have Hamaya, Kumade, Ofuda and Omamori as well as Gokitoh such as Yakuyoke etc… (Please make appointment for Gokitoh before Dec. 30th).
We are looking for volunteers for this New Years event. Please contact us for details.
When: Tuesday, January 1st, 2019
Saitan-sai: 11am – 11:30am (please join us freely)
Hatsumode,Shinto goods and services: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Where: Little Tokyo News Years Celebration event area
(Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St., Los Angeles)
Introduction to Shusse Inari Shrine
Shusse Inari Shrine of America is the American branch of Shusse Inari Shrine, located in the city of Matsue in the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture.
Shusse Inari Shrine has been respected by the feudal lords of Matsue, as well as the area’s local people, since the 12th century.
The main deity enshrined here is 宇賀之御魂神 (Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami), who is the deity of productivity, business, food, and harvests, and whose workings give us life as human beings. It is through this kami’s divine virtue as the root of life that we can enjoy the blessings of nature.
Also enshrined here are 誉田別命 (Homudawake-no-Mikoto), to whom Samurai paid respect, as well as the deity of water and the deity of health. Shusse Inari Shrine is known for having the power to bring good luck, business and career success, recovery from illness, marriage and relationship happiness, good catches of fish, huge harvests and student success. Lately, Shusse Inari Shrine has also become popular for bringing good luck in the lottery.
Shusse Inari Shrine of America performs various prayer services such as for business success when you open a new restaurant or office, safe driving for a new car, safety and success of karate/judo/kendo dojos, Shichi-go-san (7-5-3 rites/blessing ceremony for children), weddings, etc. Feel free to ask us.
Information about the priest of Shusse Inari Shrine of America can be found at the About Us page.
