March 22, we visited Suma-ji Temple for the first time in a while. First, we prayed for the recovery of a dear friend.

While We were praying at the Goma Hall, we had the good fortune to bump into Yonin Koike and catch up with him on what we have been up to.

I am reminded of the wonderful exhibition held two years ago at the Goma-do Hall for the artwork *Shaka’s Pilgrimage Through the Universe*. The piece is now on display at the Mahabodhi Temple in India, where it is being admired by people from all over the world. Though those two years have flown by, I have come to realize once again that this project has borne tangible fruit.

As we made my way to the main hall, spring was already in the air.

We participated in a “Thousand-Stitch Kesa” event at the main hall, organized by textile designer Ms. Kato.

Today is the final day of the Nishijin-ori Exhibition: Three Cities Series—Kobe Art Exhibition. We hurried over to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art.

As We were walking toward the station, Yoko—whom we had met at Suma-dera Temple two years ago—called out to Shiozawa, and we stopped by a small photo exhibition, where we rejoiced at our chance reunion.

When we arrived at the exhibition hall in Kobe, the visitors were surprised and delighted to learn that he was the original artist, Shiozawa.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Tsutada and everyone at the Nishijin International Art Museum, who have widely showcased Shiozawa’s works at numerous exhibitions.

The Nishijin Textiles Three-City Exhibition, which began on January 8, has come to a close today in the blink of an eye, but I am confident that Shiozawa’s works will continue to evolve through Nishijin Art Weaving in the coming year. Exhibitions will continue to be held in various locations in the future.