Personal in The News
Rev. Junji Miyaura, New Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Latin America
A Story which We Will Write for the Next Generation
Rev. Junji Miyaura
Born in Sao Paulo. Graduated from the Industrial Engineering University in 1972. Employed by the Brazil Missionary Headquarters in 1989. Served as the chief of the Youth and Young Adult Association for four years from 1990. After serving in various posts such as the head of Production Division, Translation Division and Public Affairs Division, he became the Vice Bishop of Seicho-No-Ie Latin America in 2012, and subsequently the Bishop as of January 2013. Became an Ordained Minister in 2007. Has two married daughters. Lives with his wife, Laura. His hobby is guitar. He is the head judge for the Original Children’s Story/Picture Books Contest in Commemoration of the Opening of the Seicho-No-Ie “Office in the Forest,” which was announced this year.
“With the guidance of Rev. Masanobu Taniguchi, President of Seicho-No-Ie, I would like to deepen my faith and further propagate the Seicho-No-Ie teachings in Brazil and other Latin American countries.”
He wears a gentle smile that embraces everyone. From the time his grandfather was introduced to the Seicho-No-Ie teachings in Brazil and cured of stomach cancer his whole family believes in the teachings. He is the third generation Seicho-No-Ie follower. From his childhood he participated in the Seicho-No-Ie Children’s Group and learned the teachings. He moved on to the Youth and Young Adult Association’s activities. In college he majored in electronic engineering, while carrying on Seicho-No-Ie’s activities. After graduation, he worked as an engineer and was also active as a leader of the Youth and Young Adult Association.
Rev. Miyaura was employed by the Brazil Missionary Headquarters when he was 37 and guided the Youth and Young Adult Association. Subsequently, when he was asked to write children’s stories for the newspaper for children, he contributed the stories in a serial, which he had created and read to his daughters in their childhood. His publications include 27 children’s story books and two CDs.
After he rises in the morning, he jots down what comes to his mind during his Shinsokan practice or when driving a car. Many and many stories, which he has written, contain the Truth—for example, animals dissatisfied about not having certain things come to appreciate the blessings already accorded after being guided by a fairy in the woods. He plans to continue his creative work.
“I would like to do my best in developing youth and dealing with environmental protection for the next generation.”
A magnificent story of propagation under the new leader has just begun.