From Shumei Magazine, VOL. 241  SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2002

Shumei’s First Brazilian Center Opens

Eugene Imai

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

The Scroll of Light was enshrined at Yasu Hirakawa's apartment in Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 15, 2002. This was the opening of the Sao Paulo Center, which is the first Shumei Center in South America. This occasion was a great joy to all Shumei members, especially to the Japanese Brazilian members and their friends. I am extremely honored to have enshrined the Scroll and to have officiated this special and historic Center. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our Shumei members and their friends in Brazil, and I am proud of Yasu Hirakawa and those who have worked so hard to make it possible

            This Center is the fruit of the unending prayers and dedication of the Japanese Brazilian members. Let me briefly tell you their history. More than a century ago Japan was a very poor country and started to send immigrants to various countries. Brazil was one of those who accepted Japanese immigration. The immigration began about 100 years ago and is no longer practiced now. The Japanese immigrants worked very hard and made a substantial contribution to the development of Brazil, and they were integrated into Brazilian society. The population of the Japanese Brazilians reached 1.2 million. In the 1970's and 1980's, Japan was enjoying an economic boom and began accepting Japanese Brazilians as temporary workers from Brazil because Brazil was suffering economic challenges. Approximately 250,000 Japanese Brazilians are now working in Japan. In the 1990's, because of Shinji Shumeikai's propagation activities, about 300 Japanese Brazilians received their Ohikari and started giving Jyorei throughout Japan. Some of them were able to speak and read the Japanese language, and they faithfully studied Meishusama's teachings in Japanese. They became fervent members of Shumei and wished that someday they would see a Center in Brazil to help support their practice of Meishusama's philosophy when they returned to their country. That "someday" was on September 15, 2002.

            There have been many challenges and adversities to overcome. But, as Meishusama says, "Right prayer will be answered," and the Japanese Brazilians' wish was granted. There is still a lot of work to be done, but the foundation was created on the grounds of Sao Paulo. I am so grateful for the support from President Koyama, the Executive members, the Senseis, and the members who have given so much help to make this dream a reality.

Article Photos:

Yasu Hirakawa, Center Head of the new Center,
who has just completed a pine bough offering before the newly installed Scroll of Light.

The opening of Shumei's first Brazilian Center is celebrated with cake and refreshments.