Across every corner of the world, Tenrikyo’s emphasis on joyful living and divine parenthood springs to life through community-driven projects and volunteer efforts known as hinokishin. Far from being a chore, hinokishin literally means “service performed with a joyful heart,” and it takes shape in countless creative ways.

· Neighborhood clean-ups and environmental initiatives
In Tenri City and beyond, groups gather on weekends to pick up litter, plant trees or restore local parks. Around Earth Day 2025, youth chapters joined city councils in Tokyo and São Paulo to spruce up riverside walkways—rolling up their sleeves and trading screens for shovels.

· Disaster relief and public health support
When wildfires swept through Maui last year, Tenrikyo members organized fund-drives, packed care boxes and helped rebuild fences on affected farms. During the pandemic, volunteers sewed thousands of cloth masks and delivered hot meals to isolated seniors, proving that compassion really does catch fire.

· Festivals, music and cultural outreach
The monthly performance of the Mikagura-uta (Divine Service) brings everyone together—singers, dancers and musicians standing shoulder-to-shoulder around the sacred “Kanrodai” stand. Local congregations often host open-air music nights, sharing traditional instruments and inviting neighbors to learn a few steps of the sacred dance.

· Educational workshops and youth mentorship
From English-language classes at neighborhood halls to weekend seminars on positive parenting, Tenrikyo branches spark curiosity while passing on core teachings. Teen volunteers serve as tutors or organize sports days, building bridges between the next generation and their own spiritual roots.

· Food-pantry drives and homeless outreach
Community kitchens staffed by Tenrikyo volunteers provide weekly hot meals, while pop-up clothing banks open their doors to anyone in need. No questions asked—just a reminder that everyone deserves warmth, both in body and spirit.

· Global exchange programs
Young adults often spend a summer overseas, helping to translate pamphlets, teach music classes or support sister churches in Africa and Latin America. This hands-on cross-cultural experience reflects Tenrikyo’s dream of universal harmony.

Every act of service, big or small, is seen as an offering to the Divine Parent. By blending ancient rituals with modern-day goodwill, these community activities keep the engine of Tenrikyo’s joyful life humming all year long.