lecture

ASAKUSA SENSOJI: MY HOME IS A TEMPLE

date & time

wednesday, september 18, 2024
7PM-8:20PM

admission is free, registration is required

Click here to Register

Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is a major tourist spot in Tokyo, which is visited by 30 million people a year.  A young man, Rev. Yoichi Shimizutani, who was ordained by the head monk of Sensoji Temple at the age of 10, to become a monk of the temple, is currently studying at USC.
This lecture will include an overview of Sensoji Temple and the history and current state of Asakusa, including the surrounding Nakamise area.
He will also introduce the daily life of a monk, the qualifications of a monk, as well as how inheritance works for monks, and his own experience of training as a monk.  He will share his vision and discuss what the temple should be like in the future.

Lecturer:

Rev. Yoichi Shimizutani
Born at Sensoji-Zenryuin Temple in Tokyo, Japan, he grew up in Asakusa. When he was 10 years old,he received Tokudo (Ordination) from the head monk of Sensoji Temple.  He graduated from Musashi University with a degree in Anthropology. After graduation, he went to Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, Otsu, Shiga to train as a monk. Since 2023, he has been pursuing a Master of Science in Gerontology at the University of Southern California. His primary research focuses on the role of temples and monks in an aging society. He is currently challenging Buddhism's traditionally passive nature and works to contribute to society actively.