2019 / New York Lecture: “Japanese Mythology & Shinto” by Shusse Inari Shrine of America, Oct. 26

Forwarded for Shusse Inari Shrine of America

Shusse Inari Shrine of America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is holding a Japan onboarding with their “Japanese Mythology & Shinto?” lecture and Shimekazari wreath workshop being hosted at the NYC Parks Citywide Services Building on Saturday, October 26th. We coordinate various events to introduce traditional Japanese eco-conscious ways of life so that future generations can enjoy nature as we do.

Shinto is a mindset and way of living with respect and appreciation for nature, living things and our ancestors, and it has long been recognized as Japan’s cultural root. Shinto has no holy texts, there is no individual founder and it is said that Shinto has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. One of the most important elements of Shinto practice is paying respect, showing appreciation to the nature spirits, and seeking harmony between people and nature, among our families, communities, and the world. In today’s society, the need to strive for these goals has become more apparent than ever before.

In this lecture, we introduce the traditional Japanese way of life to appreciate and respect the spirits of nature, as well as ways to pay tribute which have been passed across countless Japanese generations. Japan also has mythology, and you can still walk around and see where these myths took place. This lecture will also explain locations of Japanese mythology across the country as well as Shinto’s strong connection to Japanese mythology.

Especially in autumn, which is harvest season, we show our appreciation to the nature spirits which give us food and help us reap the bounty of nature. Through this event, please show your appreciation and reverence for the nature spirits. In this workshop, we will also make Shimekazari wreaths with local rice straws from the only rice farm in NYC. Shimekazari are decorations to ward against bad spirits and invite the spirits of a new year into your home, we put them out before new year, and take out after new year (around January 15^th).

We will also discuss additional efforts to connect New York City to Japan and further ways to get involved with nature and agriculture both nationally and internationally, please stay with us after the program for more info!

Who: Shusse Inari Shrine and GROW Externships

What: “Japanese Mythology & Shinto” Lecture and Shimekazari Workshop
Where: The NYC Parks Citywide Services Building

20 Bronx Shore Road, Randall’s Island, NY, 10035 (2nd Floor Training Room).

When: Saturday, October 26^th, 12noon – 3pm (Lecture & Activities)

Fee: Free and free Japanese snacks will be served!
RSVP & inquiries: growexternships@gmail.com

Website: www.ShusseInariShrine.org
SNS: Facebook @ShusseInari   Instagram @ShusseInariShrine  Twitter @ShusseInari

About the Lecturers

 

Shusse Inari Shrine

Rev. Izumi Hasegawa (IzumiHasegawa.com) is the head priest of Shusse Inari Shrine of America and senior priest for Shusse Inari Shinto Shrine in Japan. Born and raised in a Shinto family, she was miko (shrine maiden / assistant) when she was a child, then became a certified Shinto priest by the Association of Shinto Shrines.

After over 10 years experiences of broadcaster with NHK, FM Ishikawa and DirectTV, she moved to the United State then became one of the top film journalists in Hollywood and has served as editor-in-chief of Hollywood News Wire Inc. (www.HollywoodNewsWire.com) and web magazine WhatsUpHollywood.com, for which she has interviewed and photographed over 10,000 celebrities. She won International Columnist Awards and was nominated Entertainment Journalist of the Year by the Los Angeles Press Club for her work, and she has been a voting member of the Satellite Awards and an official photographer for them.

Rev. Hasegawa has the distinction of being the only person who is both a Shinto priest and film journalist. Having worked as an official reporter for 20th Century Fox Japan and Paramount Japan, she published the Official Watchers’ Guide Book for the television series 24. As a Goodwill Ambassador of Shimane Prefecture, she was contracted by Shimane Prefecture’s government office to create a website about Japanese mythology (www.JapaneseMythology.jp). In her role as a Shinto priest, she has been interviewed by the History Channel and served as a culture adviser for the Amazon Prime original The Man in the High Castle. Her work has also included speaking engagements in classes and at events. Rev. Hasegawa also has been serving to Japan Tsunami Aid which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Instagram @IzumiHasegawa

GROW Externships

Max Lerner directs the environmental initiatives of the NYC Parks Emerging Technology team as part of Citywide Services Sustainable Facilities Division. Managing a rotating think tank of ~100 scientific visionaries, he pilots organic building systems, tests cutting edge equipment and workshops revolutionary best practices to continually vet new project ideas for the agency. This work is primarily housed in the Citywide Services learning laboratory, a free and open educational space demonstrating all emerging technologies relevant to NYC Parks including the world’s most diverse green roof demonstrating over 40 unique systems on the same facility. Through his work, NYC Parks will continue to design innovative ways to advance green infrastructure efforts and solve critical urban environmental issues impacting New York City and beyond, furthering the field and ensuring our incredible city has a sustainable future.

With over 15 years of experience designing and installing green roofs and related system, he is doing everything in his power to share best practices learned both nationally and internationally in an effort to bridge the gap between environmental education, living realities and sustainable solutions. This work has more recently taken him to Western Japan in which he is focused on assisting the least populated prefectures of the country in an effort to preserve their agricultural traditions as well as demonstrate the value and importance of working in earth-focused careers.

GROW Externships is a work abroad program designed to connect passionate environmentalists with impactful farming projects in the Shimane and Tottori prefecture of Japan, exchanging sustainable agricultural practices as well as absorbing the rich cultural background, traditions, history, trades and arts of Japan in the process. This enriching work allows for a wealth of learning opportunities helping communities develop strategies for empowering their farming industry as well as creating a bridge between U.S. and Japanese cultural values and environmental best practices, bringing the best to both locations. GROW Externships is honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with Shusse Inari Shinto Shrine and would be happy to work with you too!

Interested applicants who would like to work with and/or abroad as part of the GROW Externships program are welcome to reach out to growexternships@gmail.com for additional info!