Photo= Religious representatives pray for world peace (Hieizan Enryakuji Temple, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture)

On August 4, "The Interreligious Gathering of Prayer for World Peace" was held by representatives of world religions at Hieizan Enryakuji Temple in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Approximately 1,000 people, including representatives of different faiths and citizens, took part and pledged an oath for realizing world peace.

In order to pass on the spirit of "The Religious Summit Meeting on Mt. Hiei" held in 1987, the gathering has been held every year by "Tendai-shu Kokusai Heiwa Shukyo Kyoryoku Kyokai," or Tendai Buddhist Sect international association for world peace.

The gathering began with a ceremony, where children gathered on the stage to offer origami cranes and sunflowers. Kojun Handa, the foremost Tendai priest, made a speech for peace and called out to religious representatives in light of the current situation where territorial issues and conflicts have broken out around the world, as well as suicide and bullying which are regarded as problems within Japan. He said, "The mission that we have to carry out is very huge and our prayers along with actual service are strongly desired."

Following that, 12 representatives of Christianity, Islam, Shinto, and others, ascended onto the platform and offered silent prayers with all the participants, accompanied by the sound of the bell.