2018 Consul-General’s Commendation to Rev. Izumi of the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta
On February 3rd, 2018, in the City of Lethbridge, Consul-General Tanabe awarded Reverend Izumi of the Southern Alberta Buddhist Temple with the Consul-General’s Commendation at a New Year’s celebration held at the Nikkei Cultural Society of Lethbridge and Area.
Reverend Izumi came to Lethbridge as an ordained Minister of Jodo Shinshu Japanese Buddhism in 1970, after which he carried out activities to preserve Shin Buddhism in Vancouver, Toronto, Richmond, and eventually returning to Calgary where he stayed for 15 years. In total Reverend Izumi has spent 48 years in Canada, tirelessly working to preserve Japanese Buddhism.
In addition to opening the way for his followers, Reverend Izumi also has many non-Japanese with an interest in Zen Buddhist culture who participate in his weekly congregations. Furthermore, he continues to positively contribute to the community through Japanese Buddhism by administering sessions to prisoners, as well as teaching local police officers and terminal care workers in hospitals.
Reverend Yasuo Izumi (left) and Consul General Tanabe