A “Pagoda” is a Buddhist reliquary tower where the ashes of the Buddha (shari) are enshrined. In Myanmar, it is called a “Paya.”
Note: The following information is from 2012.
World Peace Pagoda
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Completion of all buildings: September 1958
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Organization in charge of construction: Moji World Peace Pagoda Construction Committee
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Site area: Approximately 3,400 tsubo (11,220 ㎡)
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Facilities: World Peace Pagoda, Monastery, Ordination Hall (Kairitsu-do), and Training Hall
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Total construction cost: 40 million yen (20 million yen from the Buddhist Association of the Burmese Government, 20 million yen from the Moji World Peace Pagoda Construction Committee)
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Height of the Pagoda: 45 meters
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Height of the seated Buddha statue: 1.6 meters
History of Establishment
In December 1954, the 3rd International Buddhist Conference was held at the Kaba Aye Pagoda in Burma (now Myanmar) to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the Buddha’s passing. Deeply moved by Theravada Buddhism, Japanese representatives requested the Burmese government to allow further study. In 1955, 13 Japanese students (12 men and 1 woman) were dispatched to live at the Aparagoyana Monastery, where they studied Buddhist scriptures and practiced meditation under master guidance.
Upon returning to Japan, they formed the “Nippon Shakuson Shobo-kai.” In August 1956, they acted as intermediaries between Japanese and Burmese Buddhist communities in Tokyo. This collaboration aligned the interests of both sides: Burma wished to establish a missionary center for Theravada Buddhism in Japan, while Japan sought a place to enshrine and honor the spirits of those who died in World War II. It was decided that a World Peace Pagoda would be built, and Moji City was chosen over Kyoto as the site.
The Moji World Peace Pagoda Construction Committee was established in September 1956, with Mayor Momotaro Yanagida serving as chairman. Following the groundbreaking ceremony that same month, construction began. The monastery was completed in 1957, and the Pagoda and three other buildings were finished in 1958. Five monks were dispatched from Burma for the dedication ceremony held on September 9, 1958.
The monks remained in residence, strictly observing the 227 precepts of Theravada Buddhism (including lifelong celibacy, eating only twice a day, abstaining from politics, and having no connection to money). They preached to visitors and prayed every morning for the repose of the souls of those who perished in the Great East Asia War.
Current Status and Future Direction (as of 2012)
The Moji World Peace Pagoda operated smoothly for many years. However, following the passing of the chief priest, Most Venerable U Khemin-da, in December 2011, the facility was temporarily closed. This was due to financial difficulties and the aging of the veterans’ associations that had long been the Pagoda’s primary supporters.
Nevertheless, local volunteers, the Myanmar Buddhist Association, and the Myanmar Embassy continued discussions regarding its reopening. On August 28, 2012, two new monks—Elder U Wimala and Monk U Khemindala—were dispatched from Myanmar. They began their residence at the Pagoda on the following night, officially marking its reopening on August 29, 2012.
In tandem with these efforts, the Myanmar Buddhist Association and the Myanmar Embassy entrusted the reconstruction of the World Peace Pagoda to Susumu Sakuma, a local business leader and chairman of the San-Ray Group. Mr. Sakuma established the Japan-Myanmar Buddhist Cultural Exchange Association, composed of local business leaders and academics. This association provides comprehensive support for the Pagoda’s revival, addressing financial management and the renovation of aging facilities.
Currently, the two monks are dedicated to their missionary work. As news of the reopening spreads, the number of visitors from the local community and beyond is increasing, and the World Peace Pagoda is gradually regaining its former vitality.
