by Masami Shimizu
The yard sale, held by the Los Angeles District chapter of the Tenrikyo Women’s Association in America, has become an annual event, and it was held, once again, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the East Hall parking
Each year, the proceeds from the sale are donated to various causes. This year, the funds will be contributed to support expenses for the “Children’s Pilgrimage to Jiba,” organized by the Boys and Girls Association of America.
In preparation for the event, for the past three months, announcements were made at the monthly service at the Mission Headquarters, calling for donations of items and volunteers for hinokishin on the day of the sale. In addition, beginning one month prior, emails were sent to fellow followers in the greater Los Angeles area requesting their support, and one week before the event, the sale was also posted on Craigslist to reach a wider audience.
Furthermore, thanks to the cooperation of those who assisted with picking up large furniture directly from donors’ homes, a substantial number of items were collected.
On the day of the event, many people gathered from 7:30 a.m. to offer hinokishin to prepare for the yard sale. To kick off the event, all participants joined together in prayer to the three shrines. Even before opening, visitors were already lined up at the gate, and the sale quickly became lively once it began.
Given the local community, some customers spoke only Spanish, but fellow followers who were able to assist served as interpreters, helping to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fostered friendly interactions.
In addition, the chicken curry lunch prepared for the hinokishin participants was very well received. Members of the Women’s Association devoted themselves wholeheartedly, from advance preparation to cooking on the day of the event.
The sale concluded successfully at noon, followed by cleanup hinokishin until 1:30 p.m. A total of 50 people (including members of the Student Association and the Boys and Girls Association) participated in hinokishin, and the final proceeds amounted to $2,200. We express our heartfelt gratitude that the event concluded safely and successfully, thanks to the sincere efforts and generous support of so many people.