The Preliminary Memorial Ceremony for the 700th Anniversary of Daihonzan Sojiji's Founder, Taiso Keizan Jokin Zenji was held in 2023.

Soto Zen in Japan (Sotoshu) has held Great Memorial Ceremonies for Dogen Zenji, the founder of Eiheiji Temple, and Keizan Zenji, the founder of Sojiji Temple, and some other ancestors who established the dynasty of Soto Zen. The Great Memorial Ceremony is held every 50 years after the 50th anniversary of their passing.

This year, 2024, is the year of the 700th Great Memorial Ceremony for Keizan Zenji. Since April, 2023, Preliminary Memorial Ceremonies for the 700th Memorial of Keizan Zenji have been held in nine regions in Japan and four regions outside of Japan.

The Preliminary Memorial Ceremonies began on May 6 and 7, 2023 at Busshinji in Brazil, the branch temple of the Two Head Temples. The ceremony was held on May 26th and 27th at Zenshuji in North America, the branch temple of the Two Head Temples. On October 7th and 8th the ceremony was held at Zendonien in France, and on October 21st and 22nd at Shoboji in Hawaii, the branch temple of the Two Head Temples.

In this great occasion, we together with all the priests and members of Zen centers, commemorated the legacy of Keizan Zenji.

Busshinji in Brazil, the branch temple of the Two Head Temples

Zenshuji in North America, the branch temple of the Two Head Temples

Zendonien in France

Shoboji in Hawaii, the branch temple of the Two Head Temples