Japan: Tibet House Japan organised a prayer gathering at the Tibet House Japan office to commemorate Saka Dawa Full Moon Day, one of the most sacred occasions in the Buddhist calendar.

Tashi Yangzom, Secretary of Tibet House Japan welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of gathering on this auspicious day to accumulate merit and commemorate the enlightened deeds of Buddha Shakyamuni. She also informed attendees that Representative Dr. Tsewang Gyalpo Arya was currently in Ehime Prefecture, where he was organising a photo exhibition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Hagyu Temple on 30–31 May as part of the Year of Compassion commemorative events.

Yangzom further requested to prayers for Japanese supporters and members of the Tibetan community who had recently passed away. She paid tribute to the late Nagamine Sensei of Okinawa, who warmly welcomed His Holiness the Dalai Lama during both of His Holiness’s visits to Okinawa and remained a steadfast friend and supporter of the Tibetan cause. The prayers were also offered in memory of the late Nishimura Kaori and the late Tashi Dolma.

Kunchok Sither of Potala College delivered a brief presentation in Japanese on the significance of Saka Dawa and the Full Moon Day (Tsepa Chonga). He explained that Saka Dawa, observed during the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, is regarded as the holiest month in Tibetan Buddhism. The Full Moon Day commemorates three pivotal events in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni, his birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana – making it one of the most revered observances for Buddhists worldwide.

Sither also shared a brief account of the Buddha’s life before leading participants in an hour-long prayer service. The congregation joined together in prayers for peace, compassion, and the well-being of all sentient beings.

During the gathering, tea and refreshments were served to participants, while a tsog offering was conducted as part of the religious observance. The event concluded with a renewed sense of spiritual purpose and served as a reminder of the timeless values of compassion, wisdom, and altruism embodied by Buddha Shakyamuni and upheld within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

-Report Filed by Office of Tibet, Japan