Announcement for 2009 USA Festival of Joy concerning the H1N1 flu epidemic

To all those concerned,

The H1N1 Influenza epidemic, which originated in Mexico, rapidly spread to over a dozen countries, including the United States, and societies worldwide have begun actions to overcome this crisis.
In these times, Shinnyo-en, while putting the safety of the followers, their families, and the surrounding communities as our number one priority, we also feel it our duty to take initiative to assist global communities who need help and cooperation.

In United States, the first casualty of this influenza has been reported.
On April 29, the WHO has raised the alert level to Phase 5, and the danger has been on the rise for the United States which also shares a border with Mexico, the country most affected by and said to be the origin the outbreak. Under the recommendation of the Federal and State government, the WHO, the CDC and Governor Schwarzenegger declaring a State of Emergency, it has become increasingly unadvisable to bring together a large group of people into a single location.
From the standpoint of prioritizing the safety of the followers, their families, and the surrounding communities, and from the perspective of cooperating with global societies, it is with great regret and reluctance that we have arrived at a decision to cancel the USA Festival of Joy in Los Angeles.

For Shinnyo-en members who made arrangements for hotel and airplane tickets, please call your closest temple for any questions you might have. Those who planned to sit for eza, please call your local temple for further guidance as well.

We thank all those who have contributed their time and effort to bring the festival together, and ask for your continued cooperation and understanding in carrying out our social responsibility.

Sincerely,

Mitsuo Nagatsuka
Executive Director, Shinnyo-en