TOKYO: On a bright sunny day in Tokyo, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay paid a visit to Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine built in memory of Japan’s 122nd Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken.
As Sikyong arrived at the temple, which is surrounded by 100,000 man-made verdant trees, he was welcomed by Chief Priest Najima Shotaro. Sikyong then took part in a grand and elegant Shinto prayer ritual led by the chief priest and his retinue of monks.
Chief Priest Najima Shotaro then took Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay on a tour inside the temple premises and explained about the history of the temple and Meiji Emperor.
Emperor Meiji Passed away in 1912 and Empress Shoken in 1914. After their demise, people wished to commemorate their virtues and to venerate them forever. So they donated 100,000 trees from all over Japan and from overseas, and they worked voluntarily to create the forest.
Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay’s visit Meiji Shrine was coordinated by Mr Jin Tatsumura, director of documentary film on His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Sikyong was accompanied by Mr Lungtok, the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Japan.
Following the visit to the temple, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay proceeded to Osaka by bullet train to give a public talk, and a visit to Nishi Honganji temple, which shared relationship with Tibet during the time of the thirteenth Dalai Lama in 1908. During his rule from 1867 to 1912, Japan had undergone a political, social, and industrial revolution at home and emerged as one of the great powers on the world stage.
-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Japan-
Chief Priest Najima Shotaro introducing the retinue and explaining about the history of the temple and Meiji Emperor to Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay accompanied by Mr Lungtok, Representative, Office of Tibet, Japan. Photo/Meiji Shrine