Izumo Taishakyo Mission
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Izumo Taishakyo Mission is one of the few Shinto shrines in the United States. Izumo Taishakyo Mission opens on September 6, 1906. When the construction for the permanent shrine was completed in 1922, Izumo Taishakyo Mission was the first Shinto shrine in Hawaii. It was established by the first Head Priest Rev. Katsuyoshi Miyao.
Shinto was forced to define itself with the introduction of Buddhism from China in the sixth century. It has provided a sense of national identity for the Japanese through its ancient practices and close ties to the land. Shinto practices include shrine visits; blessings done by priests at the shrines and in the community; participating in festivals and seasonal holidays, especially New Years; water purifications; and making offerings and prayer at home shrines. In addition, the moral philosophy of Shinto is twofold. First, one must behave respectfully toward spirits, human beings, and nature. Second, one must perform proper rituals of purification, cleanliness, and reverence. According to Michael Molloy “Experiencing the Worlds Religions, 4/e” chapter 7 in textbook “Shinto”. Izumo Taishakyo Mission is a religion of Japanese-Shinto tradition originally from Japan come to Hawaii. The first group of immigrants to arrive in Hawaii was called Gannen Mono (immigrants of the first year of reign of Emperor Meiji in 1868) because they departed Japan in 1868. The immigrants arrived in Hawaii not only physically but they also brought to Hawaii their ethnic culture and religious values. The Shintoists believe that Japanese find life very good and are glad to accept life as it is. They tend to accept life in a more joyous way than followers of some religions. They feel at home in the world. They believe that the Gods desire their happiness and well-being. Life is good, and people are good.