RSVP requested: Jan. 12th, the Baika Convention in May 2025

We are excited to announce the details of the Baika-ryu National Convention tour, which will be held in Okinawa on May 15, 2025! This event marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and May 15 is the day Okinawa was officially returned to Japan, thus, this convention is also for us dedicate our prayers for peace. We welcome all to participate.

The Baika-ryu Convention is an event where monks and priests, Baika-ryu practitioners, and temple members gather together. We are expecting 5000 people at the Okinawa Arena next year. Even if you have never participated in a Baika-ryu practice session, we welcome you.

Please reach out to your members and lay community, and join us in praying for peace with others who walk the path of Soto Zen teachings.
Here is a video from the Baika-ryu Convention held in Tokyo in 2023:

https://www.youtube.com/live/nkKfpR0HsTs?si=rFEt_GdTJ0OafyrU 

Tour Details (subject to change):

• Cost of Tour: ¥175,000 (approximately USD $1,121 based on the exchange rate of 1 USD = 156 yen as of December 20)

Payments should be made directly to the travel agency via credit card.

The cost may change depending on the number of participants.

•Included in the Tour Fee:

3 nights at the hotel (2-person shared room). City tour and bus transportation. Convention participation fee, commemorative item cost. Pre-convention lecture fee.3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

•How to Apply:

Please contact Rev. Michihiro Kojima at the Soto Zen Buddhism North America Office by email: dokan@sotozen.us.

Details on payment methods will be provided to those who apply.

•Deadline for Application: January 12, 2025

•Tour Dates: May 13, 2025 (Tuesday) to May 16, 2025 (Friday)

•Tentative Itinerary:

May 13 (Tuesday):

Afternoon: Hotel check-in, lectures, welcome banquet

May 14 (Wednesday):

Morning: Peace-related lectures, sightseeing in the city, visit to Soto Zen temple, lunch. Afternoon: Lecture, dinner (individually)

May 15 (Thursday):

Morning to evening: Participation in the Baika-ryu Convention, banquet

May 16 (Friday):

Morning: Breakfast, check-out and departure

•Accommodation: Naha Terrace Hotel https://www.terrace.co.jp/en/naha/

•Convention Venue: Okinawa Arena

•Important Notes:

All participants are expected to come to or depart from the hotel in Okinawa individually.

It is anticipated that flights from Tokyo to Okinawa (Naha) will be crowded. Please arrange your flight individually by yourself.

A single room can be arranged for an additional ¥33,000.

•Inquiries: Soto Zen Buddhism North America Office, Rev. Dokan Kojima (dokan@sotozen.us)