Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi's Message at the Founding Day Celebration
The Founding Day Celebration was held on February 11 at the Seicho-No-Ie Headquarters. Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, President of Seicho-No-Ie, addressed 405 attendees for 16 minutes in his capacity as the Superintendent.
In his message Rev. Taniguchi noted that the myth about Japan’s founding based on Emperor Jimmu’s pacification of the nation is not a mere heroic story but includes two messages: “Do not betray God’s will,” and “Win the people’s respect.” He pointed out that from the olden times the Japanese people’s image of the ideal ruler was that he is linked with God and that he is a man of virtue.
The President stated that Emperor Jimmu personified three major elements of nature, namely, heavens, sea and mountain and that he was receiving the help of nature. To receive heaven’s message correctly and govern the country accordingly was the image of the ideal man in our minds. He pointed out that the way of life that is described in the myth about Japan’s founding, i.e., “the head of the state follows God’s will” and “the way of life that is one with nature” closely resembles the image of Japan’s Emperor. He made clear that Japan’s myth contains messages that are rich in suggestions for today’s politics and international problems.
Rev. Taniguchi stressed that the above shows that the “Movement that Grows with Nature” is not in the least different from the ideal of Japan’s founding and called upon the attendees to carry out a powerful movement in the future.
The Celebration started at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi serving as the Superintendent. Mrs. Junko Taniguchi, President of the White Dove Association, was also present. The Ceremony began with the singing of the national anthem and a Seicho-No-Ie song, Jisso o Kanzuru Uta (Song of Reality). It was followed by deep bows to the Ise Grand Shrine and Kashihara Grand Shrine. There was a message by Rev. Kazuo Isobe, Chairman and CEO of Seicho-No-Ie before Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi gave an address. After the singing of Kigensetsu Hoshukuka (Song to Celebrate Japan’s Birth), the Celebration ended at 10:38 a.m.