On May 5, the Shinbashira, Zenji Nakayama, visited affected areas in Fukushima and Ibaraki prefectures to give encouragement to survivors of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in addition to those who were participating in relief efforts. This was his third visit to areas affected by the March 11 disaster. He visited Ibaraki Diocese Office in Mito City and Iwakidaira Grand Church in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture to meet and speak with followers. He also met and gave words of encouragement to Disaster Relief Hinokishin Corps (DRHC) members presently active in Fukushima and Ibaraki prefectures. Information on the Shinbashira’s Prior Visits

The Shinbashira made a prior visit to Miyagi Prefecture between April 20 and 21. On April 20, he visited the Miyagi Diocese Office in Sendai City and a church in Ishinomaki City in addition to meeting with DRHC members in Higashimatsushima City.

On April 21, he visited Sendai Grand Church in Sendai and a church in Osaki City. The Shinbashira made his first visit to affected areas between April 6 and 8. Details of this visit may be read at Tenrikyo Online: The Shinbashira Visits Disaster-Stricken Dioceses (See 天理教ホームページ – 真柱様 被災教区をお見舞い(4月12日記) for the same content in Japanese) By TR Translation Staff. Information sources:

• 天理教ホームページ – 真柱様 3度目の被災地へ(5月5日)
• 天理教ホームページ – 真柱様 再び被災地へ(4月20–21日).

Tags: 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, Disaster Relief Hinokishin Corps, jp-en, Shinbashira, translation, Zenji Nakayama