Sunday March 20th was the first official day of spring and Toronto Buddhist Church celebrated with the Spring Higan Service and Keirokai celebration.
The Keirokai celebration gives us the opportunity to recognize those temple members who have reached 77 years of age (Kiju); 88 years of age (Beiju) and 99 years of age (Hakuju).
After the morning service, the honorees and congregation gathered in the Social Hall to enjoy a delicious bento lunch prepared by Tori Ichii. Our Honourable Centenarians, Mrs. Yasuko Shimoda and Mr. Shozo Ishikawa were asked to do the ceremonial cake cutting. Following the lunch, the entertainment programme co- MC’d by Yukari Ikebata and Bob Nishikawa gave us the opportunity to enjoy taiko drumming by the Isshin Daiko; a performance from Shozo Ishikawa; buyo from the TBC Buyo Group; several performances from the Kids Sangha members; a performance by the TBC Choir; an audience participation number by some of the members of the TBC Buyo Group; a performance from Bob Nishikawa and to end the afternoon’s festivities a performance by Sachiko Hata-Pereklita.
Thank you to all our performers, special guests, temple members and volunteers who helped make the day a memorable one and we hope to see all of you at next years’ celebration!