Eiji Shinozaki 

Born in Tokyo, Mr. Shinozaki had an isolated childhood, living as a hikikomori (shut-in), seeking meaning for his existence. After reading “Philosophy For Kids”, by Hitoshi Nagai, he acknowledged his uniqueness and his place in the universe. He went on to study philosophy in university, and later took a job in sales. He encountered zazen through his kyudo (Japanese archery) teacher, where he also met his future wife. His wife is of the family of the local Zen temple, Jizoin, and when his father-in-law fell ill, he started zazen training in earnest, to be able to fulfill the role of successor.  He came to Zenpoji for his training in March …

Ryuko Ueno 

Born locally, Mr. Ueno is the youngest son in the family of monks of a Zen temple in Kobato, Tsuruoka City. After graduating from university, he worked for a time in Tokyo, as a designer in an automotive parts company. In his workplace, he encountered some misunderstanding with a colleague, and was browsing for some advice in a bookstore, when he found some words of Zen wisdom in a self-help book. These words prompted a gradual recognition of his relationship to his home temple, and when his older brother became ill and unable to be the successor at the family temple, Mr. Ueno felt the time had come to return …

Ryuhei Abe 

Mr. Abe was born into a temple family, but he did not want to become a monk. However, throughout his youth, he felt frustrated with his situation and his inability to progress academically, and at 18 he began to practice zazen for self-development. He went to Eiheiji Temple in Fukui Prefecture to train, spending two and a half years there. While training, he worried about his future, and his master continually reminded him to “live in the now.” When the time came to leave Eiheiji, he walked the 500km back to Yamagata, taking 21 days, and coming around to a major shift in mindset and a new understanding of the …

Yuichi Otomo 

Mr. Otomo was born in Misuzawa, Tsuruoka City, and as a child, dreamed of becoming a voice actor. He started his drama career in a theatre company, but the death of his grandparents caused him a change of heart. He returned home, deciding to become the successor to his family’s business, Touunji Temple. While also working as a care assistant and some other jobs, he trained to become a monk in Zenpoji. While at Zenpoji, he was assigned to the task of writing the amulets, and this started his career in calligraphy. He is keenly aware of the importance of not only the mental approach to his calligraphy work, but …