by Bryton Wong

My name is Bryton Wong, and I attended this year’s International Hinokishin Corps. This was my second time attending the program, and it was just as incredible as my first experience in 2019. While there were many similarities, there were also differences that made this year’s experience unique. As the 140th anniversary year, attendance was much larger, and we could truly feel the energy, enthusiasm, and spirit throughout the program. 

I was fortunate to be placed in the mixed room, where I had the opportunity to meet other Young Men's Association members from Argentina, Colombia, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. Through these new friendships, I was able to learn more about how Tenrikyo is practiced and experienced in different parts of the world. It was meaningful to realize that, despite living in different countries and growing up in different cultures, we were all able to come together through our shared connection to Tenrikyo and hinokishin. I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to visit my new friends in their home countries and experience their communities firsthand. 

Throughout the day, we participated in many different types of hinokishin, including wiping the windows of the Shinden, pulling weeds around Tenri, preparing rooms for the Children’s Pilgrimage, and working at Jatani Mountain. Even while working through the hot summer days, everyone gave their best effort and maintained high spirits. The physical work itself could be tiring, but doing it together made the experience enjoyable and rewarding. Each day reminded me that hinokishin is not simply about completing a task, but about contributing our time and effort with a positive spirit. 

At night, we were able to celebrate together through different forms of multicultural exchange. These evenings gave us the opportunity to relax, share our cultures, and strengthen the friendships we had made throughout the program. It was especially meaningful to reconnect with old friends whom I had not seen since the last International Hinokishin Corps while also creating new memories with people from around the world. 

Overall, this year’s International Hinokishin Corps was an incredibly meaningful experience. Being able to participate during the 140th anniversary year made it feel especially significant, and I am grateful for the friendships, experiences, and memories I was able to take home with me. The program reminded me of the unique ability of hinokishin to bring people together, regardless of where they come from, and I hope to carry that spirit with me long after returning home.

[See more photos of the International Hinokishin Corps in our photo gallery. ]