TOKYO, April 19 (Xinhua) -- A group of first- and second-grade Japanese elementary school students on Thursday chanted songs in honor of Confucius in the courtyard of the 316-year-old Taku Seibyo, a Confucian temple in the city of Taku, Saga Prefecture, southwest Japan.
Taku Seibyo is a temple where the soul of Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, is enshrined. Founded by Shigefumi Taku, the city's fourth domain lord, in 1708 to promote education and to nurture the spirit of "respect," the temple is the oldest Confucian temple still standing in Japan.
Sekisai, a traditional ritual event for consoling the souls of Confucius and his disciples, is held twice a year, on April 18 in spring and the fourth Sunday of October in autumn. Boasting over 90 ceremonies, the festival has been a cherished tradition for more than 300 years.
At Thursday's Spring Sekisai Festival, Mayor of Taku City Toshihiko Yokoo acted as "chief offerer," respectfully placing the offerings before images of Confucius and his four disciples.
Yokoo, who has been serving as the city's mayor since 1997, has participated in Sekisai more than 50 times as "chief offerer."
"To govern the state, educate the people first. From Qufu to Japan, people follow the traditional Chinese ritual of making offerings to Confucius, hoping to pass on the concepts of 'benevolence' and 'love' taught by Confucius to future generations," Yokoo told Xinhua.
"'Governing with virtue' is my message every time I place the offerings, and it is also my governing oath," he added.
In 1993, Qufu City in China's Shandong Province, Confucius's birthplace, and Taku City became sister cities. In 1997, Qufu presented a statue of Confucius to Taku Seibyo, and also taught children here Chinese traditional dance and waist drum, which has enriched the Sekisai festival and continued to this day.
Several children who participated in the waist drum performance told Xinhua, "We have been learning the Analects of Confucius since the first grade of elementary school. Today, we are thrilled to have been able to play waist drums in the Confucian temple."
Shunji Ishida, education director in Taku City, told Xinhua that the Analects of Confucius was introduced into school teaching in Taku more than 20 years ago. Famous quotes from it are posted on campus and read over the radio every noon. The school also organizes "The Analects of Confucius" talent competition, card games, etc. to educate and entertain.
"Confucius and his philosophy have long been integrated into our daily lives. Integrating the Analects of Confucius into teaching is based on the belief that the morals and thoughts taught by Confucius can become spiritual support for children on their journey of life, and can benefit children throughout their lives," Ishida said. ■
