The Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America invites the public to its annual memorial ceremony remembering the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
This year marks a significant milestone — the 80th anniversary of the bombings — and participants will gather to pray for peace and reflect on the enduring lessons of history.
The Irei-sai Memorial Ceremony and Prayer for Peace will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 4:10 p.m. and will be streamed live on the shrine’s YouTube channel.
This traditional ceremony occurs at the exact time that the bomb fell on Hiroshima 80 years ago. This ceremony honors the mitama (spirits) of the victims and reaffirms an ongoing commitment to a peaceful world.
“It is an important annual observance held by our shrine, and we invite people of all backgrounds to join in remembrance, reflection, and prayer,” event organizers said. “Let us come together in prayer for peace and to honor the mitama.”
Howard Kakita is this year’s guest speaker. A survivor of the Hiroshima bombing when he was just 7 years old, he has become a powerful voice for nuclear disarmament and peace as a member of the American Society of Hiroshima-Nagasaki A-Bomb Survivors (ASA). His testimony offers a deeply personal perspective on the human cost of war and the lasting effects of the atomic bombs.
Bells for Peace
In addition to the Irei-sai, the shrine invites the public to participate in its annual Silent Prayer and Bells for Peace event Friday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m. This peaceful gathering includes a moment of silent prayer followed by the ringing of bells at the exact time the bombs fell on Nagasaki 80 years ago, to send wishes for peace throughout the world.
“The Bells for Peace project was founded by our beloved and dedicated super volunteer, the late Richard Fukuhara, who was moved by the stories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors and committed himself to peace-building efforts,” organizers said. “His legacy continues to inspire this event every year.”
Both events will be hosted on the shrine’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@shintoinari) and are free and open to the public.
“We encourage individuals, families, parents, children, and communities around the world to join us in remembering the past and working together toward a more peaceful future,” organizers said.
The Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the American branch of Shusse Inari Jinja in Matsue, Japan. Through online ceremonies and cultural events, it aims to share Japan’s sustainable, nature-connected way of life and traditional spiritual values with a global audience.
Website: ShintoInari.org