On December 18–19, the 15th Japan–Korea Youth Exchange Meeting was held at Kinpusen-ji, the head temple of the Kinpusen Shugendō Honshū tradition, jointly organized by the Youth Committee of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) and the Korean Conference of Religions for Peace (KCRP). Since its first meeting in 1990, the Japan–Korea Youth Exchange has been held approximately every two years, alternating between Japan and Korea. This year, 28 young religious representatives from 16 organizations in Japan and Korea gathered under the theme, “Walking Together Toward the Future of East Asia: The Next Step for Japan–Korea Religious Youth”

The ice-breaking session on the 18th was facilitated by Rev. Taikyo Murakami, a steering committee member of the Youth Committee and Abbot of Kogenji Temple. Participants interacted using translation apps, and shared the understanding that “valuing the time spent waiting for the other person’s words” is also an important part of dialogue.

At the opening ceremony, Rev. Yoshiharu Tomatsu, Chairperson of the Japan Committee, encouraged the participants by stating, “As human beings, we sometimes tell lies or fall short. We must learn to accept both ourselves and others as we are.”

Mr. Lee Jae-seong, Chairperson of the KCRP Youth Committee, expressed his hopes, noting that “many former participants of this exchange are now active as leaders in the religious world,” and that he wished the gathering to be a time for participants to get to know and share with one another.

Rev. Eigen Ōnishi,President of WCRP Japan Youth Commiittee and General Manager of  Kiyomizudera Temple, remarked that the exchange rests upon the extraordinary efforts of predecessors. He reflected that “the opposite of human loneliness is having relationships in which one can be open,” and expressed his hope that participants would build such open relationships through the exchange. The day concluded with a visit to the Zaō-dō Hall and a Shugendō practice experience, deepening participants’ understanding of Japan’s distinctive religious worldview.

On the 19th, the program began with a Buddhist service experience, followed by a solemn goma fire ritual officiated by His Eminence Gojō Ryōchi. During the “Dialogue” session, facilitated by Ms. Seryoung Moon (Focolare Movement), participants engaged in frank discussions that also touched on the histories of both countries.

At the closing ceremony, Vice President Taishi Katō, Senior Priest (Negi) of Hattori Tenjingu Shrine, expressed his appreciation to the participants, stating that “as religious people who are able to view matters from a long-term perspective, it is meaningful that we continue efforts to deepen friendship between Japan and Korea.”

Participants shared reflections such as:

  • “It was my first visit to Japan, and I am sure that Yoshino and Kinpusen-ji will be the first places that come to mind when I think of Japan in the future.”

  • “I practice an ethnic religion in Korea, and I was grateful to find common ground in the reverence for nature at Kinpusen-ji.”

  • “Although 35 years have passed since this exchange began, this was the first time we achieved such deep sharing.”

Please watch the video below to see highlights from the event (Edited by ACRP).