The 128th Memorial Service for the Unaccompanied Deceased

The 128th Memorial Service for the deceased with no relatives was solemnly conducted on September 23, the Autumnal Equinox Day (a Japanese national holiday marking the autumn equinox) at the Osaka Bay Plaza Hotel in Sakai Ward.

This memorial service was originally initiated more than 60 years ago by the late Hitoshi Kato, former President of Shinseisha, to honor and console the spirits of individuals who passed away without family or acquaintances. Since its inception, the ceremony has been held every spring and autumn during the equinox seasons, with a total of 335 souls enshrined to date.

During the service, Hirosuke Kato, serving as the officiant, pledged before the memorial altar:
“As long as I live, I will continue this ceremony so that the spirits of the deceased with no relatives may rest in peace.”

The event was also open to the public. Amid sutra chanting led by Rev. Eishu Adachi of Honkoji Temple and Rev. Eisho Adachi of Youjyuji Temple, attendees offered flowers and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed.

(Excerpted from Sakai Journal, Issue No. 409)