Shugen – Hagurosan Akinomine

 In cooperation with the Maison Franco-Japonaise the DIJ will present the film “Shugen – Hagurosan Akinomine” (2004, 115 minutes) by the director Kitamura Minao (producer: Visual Folklore Inc.). The documentary film shows for the first time the complete ritual of the Akinomine retreat, which takes place every year at the end of August at Mount Haguro. In this nine day ascetic practice of the Shugendō tradition (Buddhist-Shintō combinatory mountain cult), the participants ritually experience death and the ten worlds of existence such as hells, hungry ghosts, beasts, humans, Bodhisattvas, Buddhas etc. The language of the film is Japanese. Handouts in English will be prepared and Gaynor Sekimori, PhD (University of Tōkyō), who has participated in this ritual several times, will give a short introduction in English. After the film there will be the opportunity for questions and discussion. The film will be shown in the auditorium of the Maison Franco-Japonaise.

Admission is free. Registration is not necessary.

Extended english commentary and narration
by Gaynor Sekimori