On the morning of March 13, we met with Chief Priest Ueno at Hayatama Grand Shrine.

We were able to have a thorough discussion with Chief Priest Ueno about the role of the Kumano Sanzan in promoting peace, the nature of faith, and our aspirations for world peace.

From the realm of prayer, we shared a desire to bring order to people’s chaotic hearts in the present day and to bring them peace.

We were also shown a video of the Hayatama Festival, which embodies both yin and yang. Watching the Otō Festival, the Ofune Festival, and the various Shinto rituals held from New Year’s Day through the end of the year, I was once again struck by the beauty of the Japanese spirit of faith. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Chief Priest Ueno.

After enjoying a wonderful lunch at “Café Gourmet” in Nachikatsuura, we headed to Nachi Taisha Shrine.

Chief Priest Otokonari shared a story about a coffee shop he happened to walk into.

It was December 24th, Christmas Eve. He ended up having an unscheduled lunch at a soba restaurant in Katsuura. He had a little time to spare afterward, and when he visited a coffee shop known as “Bonkura” for the first time after someone recommended it, he happened to see someone

posting a flyer for the Kumano Sanzan—which had just arrived at Nachi Taisha the day before—on a pillar. He was surprised. He said it felt like a complete coincidence had drawn him there.

The chief priest promised that, since this is a dedication painting featuring all three mountains, he would find a display location where everyone can see it.

We are deeply grateful for this serendipitous encounter—one that transcends the three-dimensional world—and for the head priest’s decision.