Green Shinto is glad to report that Taishi Kato, the young Shinto priest we interviewed last year (see here), has now returned to Japan after studying for an MA in London at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies). We hope to carry a further interview with him soon. Meanwhile, as part of his outreach, he’s been invited to speak in Florida this December, which may be of interest to any of our readers in that region. The talk is sponsored by a kyudo (Japanese archery) group and will be held at a museum with Japanese gardens…..
What is Shinto?
Taishi Kato (加藤大志)
DATE Saturday, December 9, 2017
TIME 1:30pm
LOCATION Morikami Theater
PRICE FREE with paid museum admission
Taishi Kato (加藤大志
Shinto is said to be the source of Japanese culture — But, why is it a mystery? Taishi Kato, known under his priest title Taishi Gon-Negi, shares his view of Shinto by shedding light on how the characteristics of Japanese culture such as “cleaning”, “harmony” and “perspectives on nature” are rooted in Shinto. Taishi Gon-Negi will perform a Shinto blessing after the lecture, followed by the Florida Kyudo Kai, a Japanese archery group, demonstrating an archery ceremony called taihai.
Taishi Kato is a licensed Shinto priest from Hattori Tenjingu in Osaka Japan. He was born as the eldest son of a multi-generational family serving their 1000-year-old Shinto shrine. He graduated with a Masters of Arts in Religions of Asia and Africa at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) from the University of London. He is committed to introducing his native Japanese religion of Shinto to people all around the world.
Florida Kyudo Kai
The Florida Kyudo Kai was established in 1998 to facilitate the practice of the Japanese martial art of archery in Florida. The Florida Kyudo Kai operates under the auspices of the South Carolina Kyudo Renmei as their main root of instruction and are members of the International Kyudo Federation (IKYF) of Japan.
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