Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi’s Message at Founding Day Celebration
Let’s Convey the Unique Characteristics of the Myth of Japan’s Founding
The Founding Day Celebration was held at the Seicho-No-Ie Headquarters on February 11. Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, President of Seicho-No-Ie, addressed the 429 attendees for 24 minutes in his capacity as the Superintendent.
Rev. Taniguchi began his message by pointing out that Japan and South Korea are the only countries in the world that have their founding days based on mythology. He made a point that the fact that it is unique is not necessarily wonderful in itself.
As examples, the President cited the recent incident in Japan involving a computer virus strapped to a cat’s collar in Enoshima, Kanagawa Prefecture, and the political system of South Korea’s neighboring country to the north. He pointed out that having no peer cannot be regarded as wonderful in itself. On the other hand, he praised the victory in the Ski Jump World Cup of a 16-year-old Sara Takanashi as wonderful without question. He said that in both cases there are no peers, but the important thing is what kind of contribution it makes to society. In the same way, while it is unique and “peerless,” unless Japan makes contribution to the international community, it cannot win praise.
Rev. Taniguchi looked back on the messages he had given in the past and said that the important point about the myth of Japan’s founding is that although it has a quaint and unique aspect, there is universality behind it. He cautioned that if we do not keep this in mind, there is a risk that we become merely nationalistic.
The President next referred to a book by a mythologist, Mr. Kazuo Matsumura, entitled Oken no Kigen (Origin of the Divine Right of Kings, Sekai Shinwa Jiten (Dictionary of World Mythology), Kadokawa publication). Rev. Taniguchi introduced that there are three similarities in the founding myths of nations around the world: (1) the one considered to be king is a child of God, (2) he has his upbringing in adverse circumstances, (3) he has a marshal achievement, or an emphasis is made on his family line or blood relations and connection with gods. Rev. Taniguchi noted that the Japanese myth is similar to the myths of nation building around the world in that: Emperor Jinmu inherited the Order of God, brought his rule from Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture east to Yamato, and his connection with gods is emphasized.
The President noted that the myth of Japan’s nation building has three unique characteristics: (1) the outlook that is one with the natural world, (2) the intent to always listen to God’s will, and (3) not conquering by force alone. He made a point that these fit well with Seicho-No-Ie’s current Movement to realize “grand harmony between God, nature and man.” He said that our Movement is not unrelated to the manifestation of Japan’s True Image, but rather, it is exactly what our Movement is about. He urged the attendees to convey it to many people.
The Founding Day 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 Celebration began with the singing of the national anthem and the Seicho-No-Ie song, “Jisso o Kanzuru Uta” (Song to Visualize the True Image). 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 came to an end at 10:50 a.m.