October 29, 2011
As the early bright and shining sun rays light up Japan this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama landed at Narita Airport in Tokyo for a 10-day visit.
On his arrival at the airport at 6:21 am (local time), His Holiness the Dalai Lama was received by Mr Lhakpa Tshoko, His Holiness’ representative for East Asia and Japan, Rev. Fujita Kokan and Rev. Saito Ugyen of Koyasan University, and some prominent Tibet supporters. The members of the Tibetan community in Japan gathered at the airport to welcome His Holiness. His Holiness was accompanied by his two secretaries, Mr Chimme Rigzin Choekyapa and Mr Ngaba Tsegyam.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressed the media on his arrival in Narita.
Later in the evening at 4:30 pm, His Holiness arrived at his hotel in Osaka, where he was welcomed by Venerable Saito and Japanese well-wishers.
The first leg of His Holiness’ visit will begin from Osaka on 30 October, during which he will give two public teachings on ‘Heart Sutra: From emptiness to compassion’ and ‘the strength to overcome life’s difficulties’.
The second leg of the visit will take His Holiness to Koyasan. He will visit Koyasan University to take part in a discussion with the young Buddhist priests of Koyasan and to give Vajradhateshvari Initiation. He will also participate in a two-part discussion with scientists and president of Koyasan University to deliberate on esoteric Buddhism.
The visit to Osaka and Koyasan is being organised by Koyasan Gakuen on the 125th founding anniversary of Koyasan University. Koyasan Gakuen is the educational foundation which started the Koyasan High School and University. The latter is a private university which has a record of following Buddhism as its academic curriculum, history and tradition for more than 120 years.
During his third leg of visit in Sendai, His Holiness will address a press conference and deliver a pubic talk on ‘Essential points to consider in overcoming unfavorable situation.”
The fourth leg of the visit will take His Holiness to Ishinomaki, where he will participate in a memorial service. The visit toSendaiand Ishinomaki is being organised by Sendai Buddhism Association, an organisation working for the promotion of culture and education.
During the final leg of his visit inFukushimaon 6 November, His Holiness will give a public talk on ‘the powers to overcome difficulty for victims of Fukushima prefecture.’ This visit is being organised by Ikikata-jyuku school, a social school founded by Ms Misuko Shimomura, a noted Japanese journalist. Ms Shimomura has invited His Holiness to Fukushima to seek his thoughts and strength for the people of the region affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Earlier in April this year, His Holiness visitedJapanto preside over a public memorial prayer service in remembrance of the victims of one of the worsts natural calamity which struck the country’s northeastern part in March.
This is His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 29th visit toJapan, the first was in 1967.
