The Vietnamese Buddhist Association in Japan made its debut in Tokyo on October 5th, marking the formal development of the Buddhist community in Japan and enhancing cultural exchange between the two countries.

Most Venerable Thich Thien Phap, Vice Standing President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Executive Council, presented the founding certificate to Nun Thich Tam Tri, the head of the association.

Most Venerable Thich Thien Phap (third from right)
presenting ceritificate to Nun Thich Tam Tri (second from right)

Nun Thich Tam Tri said the association in the first tenure (2013-2018) would work hard to consolidate solidarity within the Vietnamese community in Japan, educate the younger generation on Vietnam’s identities and cultural traditions, support Vietnamese students in Japan, and guide Buddhists in their social interactions.

During the ceremony, VBS representatives also presented the founding certificates for four monasteries in Tokyo, Saitama, Shizuoka and Nagoya prefectures.

Reviewing the Buddhist exchange between Vietnam and Japan, Acting President of the VBS’s Executive Council Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon expressed his hope that the Vietnamese Buddhist Association in Japan would act as a bridge between the two countries and contribute to the development of Buddhism in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Buddhist Association in Japan came into being under the VBS’s decision No.416 dated November 11th, 2013. It was approved by the Japanese Government on February 28th, 2014.

Source: VNA