Prayers and Gratitude
Rika Saionji introduced the next portion of the program, a musical performance called “Little Flower,” written, arranged, and performed by Pikale and Ai Yamaguchi. The two musicians also offered brief messages that were played on screen before their song. The performance of the song was recorded outdoors at Fuji Sanctuary, with Pikale playing guitar and Ms. Yamaguchi playing a steel drum.
Ai Yamaguchi
Hello everyone, my name is Ai Yamaguchi. I sing songs that resonate with nature, songs meant to uplift various places, and songs that focus on the most important things in our hearts. I have performed all over Japan, but on this occasion, I had the opportunity to visit the foot of Mount Fuji to sing with the amazing singer Pikale, and we were able to spend a truly wonderful time together. I was deeply moved by this sacred place, and by all the pure and sincere-hearted people here. I am so happy and so grateful to be able to support you and this place by bringing you this song. Please enjoy.
Pikale
Hello everyone, my name is Pikale. I usually live surrounded by the nature of Takachiho. This is my first time performing at Fuij Sanctuary, where I was invited to sing with Ai Yamaguchi as part of a singing pilgrimage tour. Standing amidst the vast, majestic Mount Fuji, the surrounding mountains, and the clear, beautiful air, I had the privilege to sing at this place where everyone is praying. In this magnificent natural setting, I was reminded that even though I am a small existence in such vastness, I want to live this life to its fullest, together with everyone, all of us embracing our unique beauty. Now, I’d like to share this song with you. It’s called “Little Flower.” I look forward to singing for you again in the future. Thank you, and please enjoy the song.
Little Flower
Music and lyrics by Pikale, arrangement by Ai Yamaguchi
Little flower, why do you bloom?
Though no one notices you, and they pass you by,
You remain there, wishing for nothing,
Simply continuing to bloom.
When I listen closely to the whisper of the wind,
The distant mountains speak to me,
Love, you ask, what is it?
It’s something not seen, only felt.
Beyond the sea, what kind of world lies there?
The waves tell tales of distant memories,
You and I, part of the flow,
In this moment, our hearts melt together.
Little flower, why do you bloom?
Though no one notices you, and they pass you by,
You remain there, wishing for nothing,
Simply continuing to bloom.
You are simply there, existing as you are,
Adding beauty to this world.
Rika thanked the performers for their beautiful song, and then announced the next two segments: prayers of Gratitude for All Life on Earth, and Prayers for Peace in Each Country.
Accompanied by gentle music and uplifting scenes of the natural world, the prayers of Gratitude for All Life on Earth were displayed on screen and spoken in both Japanese and English.
Gratitude for All Life on Earth
(prayed by all participants together)
Thank you, dear Oceans.
Thank you, dear Mountains.
Thank you, dear Earth.
Thank you, dear Animals.
Thank you, dear Plants.
Thank you, dear Minerals.
Thank you, dear Water.
Thank you, dear Air.
Thank you, dear Heavenly Phenomena.
Thank you, dear Sun.
Thank you, dear Planet Earth.
Over images of the blue planet Earth spinning in space, the subtitles read: “Each of us living on the earth is also a part of great life. Let’s bring love and healing to people all over the world,” inviting participants to join in the Prayers for Peace in Each Country.
The prayers, arranged by continent, began with a series of captivating images from the continent of Asia, and then one by one, the name and flag of each country in Asia was presented on screen, along with the word for ‘peace’ in that country’s national language(s). Japanese and English pronunciations were included. The name of the country was spoken in English, and the word ‘peace’ was spoken in the language shown on screen. Photos from past SOPP ceremonies and other events held in various parts of the world accompanied the presentation of each national flag as participants prayed for ‘peace’ in that country. When the flags of all Asian nations had been presented, a prayer for all of Asia was offered: May peace be in Asia.
The ceremony continued with images from Africa, followed by prayers for peace in the nations of that continent. The same was done for Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania, followed by a prayer for peace in “all the other regions of the world” (accompanied by an image of the planet Earth in space). A final prayer, May peace prevail on Earth, was displayed on screen and spoken aloud three times as the video showed a sweeping view of the prayer field at Fuji Sanctuary, with Mount Fuji rising majestically beyond it. The view of the prayer field and Mount Fuji continued for a few moments longer, allowing participants a chance to feel their connection with the divine essence of people all around the world.
