Mikotosama
Mikotosama at the Grand Opening of Misono, 1983
Sensei Eugene Imai

Sensei Eugene Imai is Director of Shumei America and Director, International Programs, for Shumei globally.

Mikotosama is my mentor. It is he who inspired me so strongly that I decided to give my whole life to Shumei at the end of l97l. Mikotosama was then the President of Shinji Shumeikai. The Youth Grand Service, which is held annually, on November l4, l97l, was an event that I will never forget. When I heard this message, I was so electrified that I almost sprang up from my seat. He asked us to give ourselves to Meishusama’s great vision. He told us that by serving the others and the world, we could have a genuinely fulfilled life, that by giving of oneself, one could become truly liberated. He invited us to join him in the pursuit of a noble course of life. I was deeply touched and ready. I decided to do as he suggested. The following year, right after my graduation from my university, I became a full-time Hoshisha, a volunteer worker, at headquarters.

Mikotosama touched myriad people's hearts and gave direction and meaning to their lives. The teachings of Meishusama and Jyorei spread rapidly throughout Japan. Many Centers were born. Many young people found their lives changed by Jyorei. Shumei grew rapidly.

Mikotosama envisioned the creation of our International Headquarters, Misono, as did Kaishusama. It was an incredible dream. At the beginning, nobody was sure what would be created. Even Kaishusama and Mikotosama didn't have a specific plan. All they wanted was the best and most beautiful for God. Mikotosama devoted his life to the construction of Meishusama Hall in Misono. Day and night he labored to materialize the building. Kaishusama praised his incredible devotion to the project and mentioned that without him, the Hall wouldn't have been on earth in its heavenly beauty and universal scale. He was a fireball. He made us believe that anything in accord with God's mind can be done. Only we, ourselves, limit our possibilities and future. With Kaishusama, Mikotosama proved beyond question his faith that everything can be created from nothing.

One year after the dedication of Meishusama Hall in l983, Mikotosama suddenly passed away. It was an indescribable loss. We all felt like lost sheep because it seemed there was so much remaining for him to do.

I received news of his death while in Buffalo, New York where I was going to see Niagara Falls for the first time and also meet a member from Canada. When I heard the news, it didn't sink into my mind. I was not ready for it. I didn't even feel sad. What I thought was: I must go back to Japan immediately to see him.

I called the New York Center and the Los Angeles Center to have somebody arrange my flight to Japan. The private funeral was scheduled for July l4, with an official and public ceremony on July 20. It seemed that there was not enough time for me to get there by July l4 to pay my last respects to Mikotosama. All efforts we made appeared to be in vain. At last, I decided to take a chance. I flew to Seoul, Korea. There I found a special flight to Nagoya, Japan on a regular passenger plane which carried only me and one other person. It was incredibly fortunate. Later, I learned that the plane was chartered to pick up a group in Nagoya.

At the airport, I jumped into a taxi and rode to the “Sacred Garden,” which is “Misono.” When I arrived at the mountain, I saw crowds in black mourning dress in the Great Square, at the Heavenly Portals, on the Crystal Bridge, and along the path to Meishusama Hall.

Everyone was in grief--weeping. Mikotosama's death was true! "My God!" I thought. I began to feel extremely sad, but held back tears. I rushed into Meishusama Hall and was given a bundle of orchid flowers. The Hall was empty except for a small group of people on the podium. Kaishusama, Mikotosama's family, the relatives and Senseis were there. I ran to the podium, crying. How dramatic and timely my arrival.

Kaishusama and Mikotosama’s wife kindly let me take a close look at Mikotosama to bid farewell. How beautiful, determined, and dignified he appeared.

I told Mikotosama that I came back alone but represented all of Shumei’s American members and friends, and that I would do my best to carry on our task to spread Meishusama's message in America.

After the casket was sent off from the Sacred Garden, I returned to Meishusama Hall to pray by myself. Then I received Jyorei. At that time, the figure of Mikotosama appeared to me in my mind’s eye, enormous in size on the huge ceiling of the Hall. Smiling, he said a few words to me, which I took to heart.

He isn't gone. He is with us. I feel his existence among us just as when he lived on the earth. He has only left the physical world. All we know is this happened under God's plan. I accept the fact that he does not exist in the physical world anymore. I also accept that he lives in spirit and will guide and help us.

Thank you, Mikotosama, for your guidance and your many lessons. We have learned that through your early death you have given us your ultimate lesson: We are the ones who must carry on our great work.

Edited for Shumei website.