Tokyo, July 1, 2026
As part of the working visit of the delegation of the International Centre for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue to the Association of Shinto Shrines Jinja Honcho, a meeting took place between the Chair of the Centre’s Board, Gulsana Kozhabay, and Vice President of the Association, Michiyasu Yoshikawa.
Jinja Honcho is one of Japan’s key religious organizations, uniting the majority of Shinto shrines across the country. Shintoism is Japan’s traditional spiritual culture based on the reverence of nature, respect for ancestors, continuity of traditions, and the concept of harmony between humans and the surrounding world.
The meeting was held in line with the foreign policy course of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, aimed at promoting dialogue between civilizations, a culture of peace, and the principle of unity in diversity.
The sides discussed prospects for further cooperation within the framework of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, the development of interfaith and inter-civilizational dialogue, as well as joint initiatives promoting a culture of peace, environmental responsibility, and spiritual and moral values.
Gulsana Kozhabay expressed gratitude to Jinja Honcho for its long-standing support and participation in the Congress since its establishment in 2003. She emphasized that the consistent involvement of the Japanese side serves as an important example of trust-based and long-term international cooperation.
Special attention was paid to the shared spiritual, moral, and civilizational foundations of Kazakhstan and Japan. It was noted that respect for nature, reverence for ancestors, continuity of traditions, and the pursuit of social harmony are important elements of the cultural heritage of both countries and provide a strong basis for expanding dialogue.
Vice President Michiyasu Yoshikawa presented the key philosophical foundations of Shintoism, emphasizing that humans are not masters of nature but an integral part of it. Therefore, care for the environment must begin with moral education and a sense of responsibility toward society.
He also noted that these values have contributed to the formation in Japan of a culture of peaceful coexistence among different religions, where interfaith dialogue is seen as a natural part of social life. Michiyasu Yoshikawa highly appreciated Kazakhstan’s role as an international platform for open dialogue among leaders of world and traditional religions.
The Chair of the Centre expressed gratitude to Jinja Honcho for its contribution to the preparation of the conceptual document the “Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change,” which incorporates specific approaches from Eastern religious traditions.
During the meeting, the Kazakh side also presented the Astana Declaration of Peace and informed participants about the implementation of initiatives of the VIII Congress, including work on the documents “The Role of Religions in Combating Climate Change” and “Ethical Code for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Religious Sphere.”
As part of the visit, the delegation of the International Centre also visited the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine—one of Tokyo’s most renowned spiritual centers. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and its surrounding forest was created through the donation of approximately 100,000 trees from across Japan and the labor of tens of thousands of volunteers. This unique example of the integration of spiritual heritage, nature, and civic participation holds special significance in the context of discussions on environmental responsibility and harmony between humans and the natural world.
Following the meeting, the Japanese side was invited to participate in the XXIV session of the Secretariat of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
The parties confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation, promoting interfaith and inter-civilizational dialogue, and implementing joint international initiatives aimed at fostering peace, mutual understanding, and sustainable development.
