Category Archives: Footsteps of Our Predecessors

The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 45

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The following is a translation of Part 45 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the September 2006 (No. 453) issue of Taimo , pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 45: Indigo Ball

In 1879, Bunkichi Nakagawa, who made his living as a dyer in the Honden section of Osaka, succumbed to a sudden illness of the eyes that left him nearly blind. As Bunkichi’s dyeing business was flourishing, he spared no expense on doctors and medicine. He also prayed to the gods and buddhas at various shrines and temples for a full recovery, but there was no sign of any improvement. His illness grew worse and his doctor declared his case as hopeless, saying, “There’s no chance for a full recovery.”

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 44

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The following is a translation of Part 44 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the August 2006 (No. 452) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 44: “God Will Make Everything Work Out”

There was a time when Genjiro Fukaya, the first head minister of Kawaramachi Grand Church, tripped over a hammer when he was still working as a blacksmith and hit his forehead, leaving a large bump on his forehead. Genjiro instantly shouted out, “Oh, how it hurts. How thankful I am, how thankful I am!”

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 43

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The following is a translation of Part 43 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the July 2006 (No. 451) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 43: The Joy of Having Nothing

After World War II, large numbers of Japanese abandoned Korea for Japan. Among them were Tenrikyo ministers and followers who left behind the churches they helped build with many years of dedication. Among them were those who dragged enough luggage that it towered to their eyeballs. Unable to arrange their belongings as they rode the steam train taking them away, they brought their luggage into the passenger train, laid them on the floor, and sat on them.

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 42

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The following is a translation of Part 42 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the June 2006 (No. 450) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 42: “God’s Gifts Are Free and Unlimited”

Zenroku and Shina Okamoto of Nagahara Village, Yamato Province were blessed with seven children. However, only their eldest son Eitaro and their youngest daughter Kan grew to adulthood as five of their children either died in infancy or a result of a miscarriage. Continue reading The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 42 →

The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 41

Footsteps of Our Predecessors, Translations,

The following is a translation of Part 41 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the May 2006 (No. 449) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 41: Bamboo Brooms

Naka Higashida was born in 1893 in Mifune-machi, Kumamoto Prefecture. When she came of age, her aunt who had relocated to Hawaii came to her with a marriage proposal. It was an arranged marriage with a mere exchange of photos, and it was decided that Naka would go to Hawaii to marry. Continue reading The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 41 →

The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 40

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The following is a translation of Part 40 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the April 2006 (No. 448) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision. (This is part two of a two-part series [see part one])

Part 40: The Faith of Choe Jae-Han (2 of 2)

Choe Jae-Han (the first head minister of Won Nam Seong Gyohae) was brought back to life after Rev. Hideno Kimura’s administering of the Sazuke. Still, he had lost much of his vision and his arms and legs were bent inward, making him look like a cicada nymph.

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 39

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The following is a translation of Part 39 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the March 2006 (No. 447) issue of Taimo, pp. 36–37. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 39: The Faith of Choe Jae-Han (1 of 2)

Choe Jae-Han, the founding minister of Won Nam Seong Gyohae (church), suffered from several illnesses from his youth. When he finally succumbed to Hansen’s disease, it left him without a place to work. Jae-Han subsequently abandoned himself to despair and plunged himself into a world of darkness. He spent his days and nights fighting and gambling; his notoriety increased as he repeatedly went in and out of prison.

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 38

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The following is a translation of Part 38 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the February 2006 (No. 446) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 38: A “Whole” Offering

Kanzo Nakadai was born in 1840 and was the eldest son of Kaneshime Kimuraya, one of the leading fish wholesalers in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, at the time. He converted to the faith when he was 47 years old after Sasuke Uehara spread the fragrance of the teachings to him, which helped him experience a vivid recovery from a physical disorder.

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 37

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The following is a translation of Part 37 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the January 2006 (No. 445) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 37: Conveying the Teachings through Her Actions

Shinako Takane was born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1899. When Shinako’s mother was pregnant with her, the nausea was so severe that it endangered her life. The fragrance of the teachings was sprinkled to Shinako’s mother by missionary Sentaro Hattori and she was cured through his efforts. Shinako was guided into the realm of faith through the influence of her mother’s devout faith.

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The Footsteps of Our Predecessors 36

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The following is a translation of Part 36 of the series “Senjin no sokuseki” (Footsteps of Our Predecessors) from the December 2005 (No. 444) issue of Taimo, pp. 34–35. This translation is a provisional one at the moment and may require further revision.

Part 36: “I Dedicate My Life”

Genjiro Fukaya, the first head minister of Kawaramachi Daikyokai who was beloved by many as “All’s well Gen-san” was born in Kyoto in 1834. Members of the Fukuya household had been blacksmiths for many generations, and reputation of Genjiro’s craftsmanship had even reached all the way to Nagoya.

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