Japanese Culture Festival Unites Community

On July 29, the Clifton Family Church of New Jersey held a Japanese Cultural Festival not only to celebrate the culture of Japan, but to continue to strengthen their relationships with guests who are interested in learning about the Divine Principle.

The Clifton Family Church has semiannually held the Japanese Cultural Festival for 10 years.  The purpose of the Japanese Cultural Festival has been to create a sense of community with those who are not Unificationists. This purpose has been prioritized once again since the success of the Madison Square Garden event, where Unificationists were able to praise God with people of a wide variety of faiths and backgrounds. 

Over 160 people attended the festival, including 55 guests.  Even James Anzaldi, the mayor of Clifton, dropped by the festival to say hello to the people of his town and to get a taste of Japanese culture. 

“Through this occasion, I felt that the spiritual world want us to continue our activities for True Parents,” said Atsushi Takino, the Witnessing and Education Coordinator of District 3. He continued,  “We want to take advantage of our large community and reach out to other organizations and embassies.” New Jersey has three Unificationist churches, making it one of the biggest Unificationist communities in America. 

This year’s Japanese Cultural Festival was more special than those of the past. Firstly, more second-generation Unificationists participated in and volunteered for the festival than ever.  Secondly, Demian Dunkley, the National Director of Witnessing and Education, installed a tent nearby to allow guests to receive the Blessing.  Although only a few people received the Blessing this day, we saw that the possibilities are endless for our next Tribal Messiahship event. 

“I believe we have the responsibility to establish a heavenly culture in our community,” said a determined Atsushi.  “I will strive harder to realize Heavenly Parent’s and True Parents’ heart of culture.”