Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 13:00–17:00
Venue: Zojoji Temple, Koushoden Hall (Shiba Park, Tokyo)

　

Remembering January 17 – The Day of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake

On January 17, 2026 (Reiwa 8), we will hold the 3rd Annual Zojoji Temple Grand Shabutsu Gathering, led by Eisui, as has become our tradition.

Next year marks 31 years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
The day of our gathering coincides with that tragic event.
I myself experienced the earthquake in Gifu.
Even from afar, I vividly remember the terrifying rumble of the earth, waking with a start, and hastily pulling the futon over my head to shield myself from things falling from above as the delayed tremors struck.

Since then, Japan has endured other major disasters—such as the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Noto Peninsula earthquake—and, in recent years, we have seen more frequent floods and landslides caused by extreme weather.

Although Japan accounts for only 0.25% of the world’s land area, it suffers a disproportionately high number of natural disasters worldwide.

Because we never know when or where disaster may strike, Japanese culture developed expressions like “ichigo ichie” (“a once-in-a-lifetime encounter”), and a deep awareness of the impermanence of life.

With prayers for the repose of souls lost in past disasters, and gratitude for being alive here and now, I would like to share this time of mindful shabutsu (Buddha-copying meditation) with you all.

　

初のオンライン写仏がスタート！！

初の試みとして会場にお越しいただくリアルイベントの他に、第3回増上寺大写仏会はオンラインイベントを新しく企画しました。

オンラインのコースは２つ。

①現地で参加していただく方々と同じように全ての道具がお手元に届き、後日特別御朱印がご自宅に届くオンライン写仏チケット
②ご自身でお道具をご用意していただいてご参加いただくオンライン視聴チケット

遠方で参加が叶わない。
育児や介護で家を離れられない。
入院しているので病室から写仏に取り組んで病気平癒を祈願したい。

など、さまざまなご意見をいただき、現地参加が難しい方々にもご参加いただけるイベントにしたいと思っています。
　

First-Ever Online Shabutsu Experience Begins!

For the first time, the Zojoji Grand Shabutsu Gathering will include an online participation option, alongside the traditional in-person event at the temple.

We offer two types of online tickets:

1. Full Online Shabutsu Ticket – Receive a complete set of shabutsu tools by mail and later a special goshuin (temple seal) delivered to your home.
2. Online Viewing Ticket – Participate using your own tools and materials from home.

This new format was created in response to many voices from those who:

• Live too far away to travel,
• Cannot leave home due to childcare or caregiving,
• Are hospitalized and wish to participate from their room to pray for healing.

Our goal is to make this sacred experience accessible to everyone, wherever you may be.

　

Event Schedule

11:00

Doors open

12:30

Reception begins

13:00

Shabutsu Gathering (Koushoden Hall)

15:45

Dedication & Memorial Service (Main Hall)

16:30

Exchange Gathering (Koushoden Hall) – Optional

17:00

Closing

Ticket Information

Ticket Sales Begin: November 1, 2025 (Reiwa 7)

• The in-person event is limited to 80 participants only.
  It sells out quickly every year and has become a highly anticipated spiritual art gathering.
  Last year, we welcomed participants from Taiwan, making it an international event.

We recommend purchasing tickets early to secure your spot.
Online shabutsu tickets will close earlier due to shipping arrangements for materials.

Please invite your friends and loved ones, and join us for this special day at Zojoji Temple.

🛍️ Tickets for all courses will be available from November 1 via the official online shop.

For those living outside Japan, the Online Viewing Ticket is available for purchase.
Please note that it cannot be purchased through the online shop.
To apply, kindly use the inquiry form on our website.
Payment can be made by credit card.