
Izumi Hasegawa, Senior Priest of Shusse Inari Jinja, and President of Shusse Inari Shrine of America (Cultural News Photo)
Izumi Hasegawa (certified Shinto Priest by Association of Shinto Shrines)
Senior Priest, Shusse Inari Jinja
President, Shusse Inari Shrine of America
Izumi Hasegawa of Los Angeles is a licensed Kannushi (priest) with the National Association of Shinto Shrine (Jinja Honcho) in Tokyo.
Hasegawa presides Shusse Inari Shrine of America, and performs various prayer services such as business success for opening of new restaurants or offices, safe driving for a new car, safety and success of karate/judo/kendo dojos, Shichi-go-san (7-5-3 rites/blessing ceremony for children), and weddings.
Shusse Inari Shrine of America is the American branch of Shusse Inari Shrine, located in the city of Matsue in the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture.
Shusse Inari Shrine has been respected by the feudal lords of Matsue, as well as the area’s local people, since the 12th century.
Shinto is the basis of Japanese culture and customs. From ancient times, Japanese have believed there are deities in everything and paid respect by building Jinja (Shinto shrines) in places where those deities are believed to stay.
Many fishermen and their families were victims of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Fishermen, whose livelihoods depend on the ocean, strongly believe in the spirits of ocean and pay respect to Shinto.
On March 5, from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm at Love to Nippon 2017 event held at Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters in Downtown Los Angeles, Kannushi Hasegawa will pray to calm spirits of tsunami victims.
Event Schedule of Love to Japan 2017 http://www.culturalnews.com/?p=24606
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2017 Hatsu-uma Matsuri
Because Inari shrines are very close to nature and the seasons, Shusse Inari Shrine of America holds a festival in the spring called HATSU-UMA MATSURI just as our main shrine in Japan does.
Hatsu-uma’s meaning is “first Horse zodiac”, and is celebrated on the first day of the horse on the second month of the year. Around that time in the lunar calendar, it starts to get warm and the feeling of spring approaches.
We start to see melting snow, plants on the ground, and animals (including foxes) in the village once again. This day is also the anniversary of the beginning of Inari faith in the year 711.
During Hatsu-uma, we celebrate the coming of spring and pray for this year’s harvest, productivity, prosperity and good luck.
Please come and pray for your wishes at the altar of Shusse Inari Shrine.
What: Hatsu-uma Matsuri
Where: JACCC (244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012)
When: Sunday, March 5th, 2017
1.30 pm - 3.30 pm: Walk-in prayers
3.30 pm - 4.00 pm: Hatsu-uma Matsuri service
4.00 pm - 4.30 pm: Walk-in prayers
** Walk-ins are very welcome, but please make an appointment if you need Gokito such as Yakuyoke.
For information: AmuletOffice@shusseinarishrine.org
323-823-6752, ShusseInariShrine.org