Several Canadians gathered in Kyoto, Japan for a once-in-a-lifetime experience from May 12-18, 2011.
On May 15, 2011, they joined Jodo Shinshu followers from around the world in commemorating Shinran Shonin's 750th Memorial Service at the Nishi Hongwanji in Kyoto, Japan.

The group was led by Bishop Grant Ikuta of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada, Rev. Tomofumi Fujii of the Toronto Buddhist Church and Rev. Yasuhiro Miyakawa of the Kelowna Buddhist Temple.

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The 2011 World Buddhist Women’s Convention (WBWC) was held in Kyoto on May 16 & 17, 2011.  And although Japan was still recovering from recent earthquakes in the country, over 4,000 people attended the event from the United States (mainland), Hawaii, Brazil, Canada, and Japan. The event also coincided with the 750th Memorial Celebrations for Shinran Shonin.

Twenty-six delegates represented Canada at the convention led by Socho Grant Ikuta and Rev. Tomofumi Fuji of the Toronto Buddhist Temple. The Canadian delegation sang two songs: “Namu Amida Butsu” and “I Believe” (the theme song from the Vancouver Winter Olympics).

World Buddhist Women’s Convention in Kyoto, Japan, 2011


2011 Canadian delegation


Flag passed from the Japan Chapter President to representatives of Canada.