SOPP 2026 – Live and in person!

For the first time since 2019, the Symphony of Peace Prayers will be a live, in-person ceremony, conducted in Fuji Sanctuary’s outdoor Prayer Field under the gaze of a towering Mount Fuji!

The 22nd annual SOPP will be held on May 17, 2026, at 12pm Japan time. Download the 2026 SOPP flyer here.

Thanks to the continued support of participants and guests, who have steadfastly believed in the SOPP’s mission to unite humanity in prayer, transcending all differences of faith, nationality, and background, this event has been celebrated annually for over 20 years, both at Fuji Sanctuary and around the world.

In 2025, the SOPP entered a new stage, with a theme of “Musubi” that continues in 2026. Musubi is a Japanese word meaning to ‘tie’ or ‘join,’ and it represents the restoration of our vertical connection with the divine and our horizontal connection with the living beings with whom we share this earth.

2026 Prayer Leaders

Buddhism – Rev. Shinjo Nohara, Head Priest of Kaizōzan Ryūunji Temple
Shinto – Rev. Masahiko Dobashi, Chief Priest of Hitoana Sengen Shrine
Judaism – Mr. Mark Zion
Christianity – Apostolic Nuncio to Japan, His Excellency Most Reverend Francisco Escalante Molina
Islam – Mr. Aijaz Ahmad Dar & Mrs. Sabiha Iqbal, Muslim Chaplaincy Team at the University of Roehampton, London, UK
Hinduism – Mr. Krishnan Unnikrishnan, storyteller in the tradition of Sanātana Dharma

In addition to the religious prayers above, Ms. Masami Saionji will offer a prayer for peace, and Ms. Yoshiko Harada will give a taiko (drum) performance. Also, in a change from previous years, the prayers for peace in each country and region will take place between the peace prayers from different religions.

We look forward to welcoming many people back to Fuji Sanctuary for this year’s event! Those who cannot be there in person are invited take part in the ceremony by tuning in to the live-stream broadcast (details coming soon).

Visit the SOPP 2026 page here.