June 2011

Won Buddhism Officers Visit Rissho Kosei-kai Headquarters

Six officers of Won Buddhism in South Korea, headed by Rev. Kim Dae-seon, director of its Department of Cultural and Social Affairs, visited Rissho Kosei-kai headquarters in Tokyo on June 3. They conferred with Rev. Yasutaka Watanabe, chair of Rissho Kosei-kai's Board of Trustees. Rev. Masahiro Nemoto, director of the External Affairs Department, was also present. Chair Watanabe expressed his appreciation for Won Buddhism's support for victims of the massive earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan on March 11. Rev. Kim offered condolences for those who had lost their lives, expressed hope for the rapid reconstruction of the devastated areas, and praised Rissho Kosei-kai for its relief activities. The meeting was followed by an exchange of information about relief work with Rev. Nemoto and Rev. Waichi Hoshina, head of Rissho Kosei-kai's Social Ministry Group.

Won Buddhism had earlier informed Rissho Kosei-kai of its hope to send relief supplies to the disaster areas. Rissho Kosei-kai's External Affairs Department provided Won Buddhism with information about local governments needing relief supplies. Won Buddhism arranged for NGOs carrying out relief activities in the disaster areas to be supplied with bottled water, isotonic drinks, underwear, and socks.

During June 4-7 Won Buddhism officers visited disaster areas in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures, where they witnessed the damage and gathered information about the need for more relief supplies.

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