Amid the Pandemic, Sino-Japanese Obaku Cultural Exchanges Continue to Create New Stories

Lin Wenqing, President of the Obaku Cultural Promotion Association, and Japanese Senator Shinpei Matsushita Visit the Head Temple of Japan's Obaku Sect, Manpuku-ji。

Kyoto, December 20 (Reported by Zheng Songbo) – According to the Fuqing Obaku Cultural Promotion Association on the 20th, Lin Wenqing, President of the Fuqing Obaku Cultural Promotion Association from Fujian, visited the Manpuku-ji, the head temple of Japan's Obaku sect located in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, on December 20.This marks the first visit by a Chinese Obaku cultural organization to this site since the outbreak of the pandemic earlier this year. Accompanying the visit were Japanese Senator Shinpei Matsushita, Wu Qilong, President of the Japan Fujian Economic and Cultural Promotion Association, Li Yunshu, Executive Vice President of the Japan Fujian Economic and Cultural Promotion Association and Vice President of the Japan Obaku Cultural Promotion Association, as well as Keiko Soma, Vice President of the Japan Obaku Cultural Promotion Association and Executive President of the Japan-China Fuqing Chamber of Commerce。

Senator Matsushita remarked that drinking the tea passed down by Master Yinyuan at Manpuku-ji was particularly meaningful

On the same day, at Manpuku-ji in Uji, the visiting delegation was warmly welcomed by Kondo Hakudo, the head abbot of the Obaku sect, and others.As a gesture of hospitality, Manpuku-ji served tea originally introduced by Master Yinyuan. Guests and hosts sat around a table, engaging in friendly conversation, creating a warm and cordial atmosphere。

Head Abbot Kondo Hakudo first expressed his gratitude for the significant support of anti-pandemic supplies, including face masks, provided by the Fuqing Obaku Cultural Promotion Association and other friendly Chinese organizations during the critical shortage in March and April this year.After receiving the masks, the temple distributed them to Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Uji City, and local residents, allowing more Japanese people to feel the warmth from the hometown of Master Yinyuan。

"2020 is coming to an end, and in just over a year, we will mark the significant occasion of the 350th anniversary of Master Yinyuan's passing," said Kondo Hakudo."The Japanese Obaku sect has long established the 'Committee for the 350th Anniversary of Master Yinyuan’s Passing.' We hope to work hand in hand with Chinese Obaku organizations to make the commemorative activities even more grand, continuing the beautiful stories of friendly exchanges between the two countries," he added

Lin Wenqing responded, saying, "'Mutual reflection of East and West, supporting each other with morality' is a quote left by Master Yinyuan."During the pandemic, China and Japan supported each other, vividly demonstrating the spirit of Master Yinyuan."The year 2022 is a special one, marking not only the 350th anniversary of Master Yinyuan’s passing but also the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations.""In the future, we are willing to work together with all sectors of Japanese society to inherit, promote, and spread the moral spirit and Obaku culture left to us by Master Yinyuan," said Lin Wenqing。

Lin Wenqing and a delegation of Fuqing expatriates in Japan recently visited former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama

Lin Wenqing, along with Chairman Chen Xi, Liu Lisheng, and others, recently visited former Chinese Ambassador Ichiro Anami and his wife

It is reported that Lin Wenqing arrived in Japan earlier this month, completed a 14-day self-isolation period at his residence, and then embarked on an intensive cultural exchange schedule, visiting friendly figures such as former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and former Chinese Ambassador Ichiro Anami.Using cultural exchange as a bridge, he aimed to foster communication and mutual understanding between the two sides。

During the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Master Yinyuan, abbot of Manpuku-ji in Fuqing's Mount Obaku, was invited to lead a group to Japan. During his time there, he not only disseminated Buddhist teachings but also introduced advanced culture and technology, significantly influencing the economic and social development of Japan's Edo period.As a result, Master Yinyuan was conferred the titles of "National Master" or "Great Master" six times by the Japanese imperial family.This typically occurred approximately every 50 years, and 2022 marks the 350th anniversary of Master Yinyuan’s passing.The Japanese Obaku sect and friendly individuals from both China and Japan look forward to overcoming the obstacles of the pandemic in the coming year. They hope to use Obaku cultural exchange as a platform to deepen grassroots interactions and foster a favorable atmosphere for the friendly development of Sino-Japanese relations。