On March 29, 2025 we conducted the annual ceremony to pay reverence to the kami of Tsubaki Dai Jinja North America 北米椿大神社. We were very honoured to have Guji Yukiyasu Yamamoto, Negi Yukiko Yamamoto, and Negi Hitoshi Iwasaki from Tsubaki O Kami Yashiro (Mie, Japan):

It was a cool rainy morning on Saturday, but as the time for the ceremony approached the sky cleared. The spring flowers and budding trees were fresh with water droplets and the sun rays reflected off the ocean.

After shubatsu (purification) of the offerings and participants, Evans Guji opened the shrine doors. Next, norito was chanted by Evans Guji and by Yamamoto Guji, praying for each person’s happiness, health, and guidance on a true path. Music offerings were presented to the kamisama, including a performance with 3 shakuhachi by Alcvin Ramos. Each of the participants then offered prayers and tamagushi to the kamisama. Next, the shrine doors were closed again until next year.

What is the significance of opening the doors? It is a mechanism for divine-human connection, renewal, and balance. In other words, it is an invitation for the sacred to break through.