In 1989 a Japanese businessman, Kenji Toda, arrived in London. His
business in England brought him into contact with members of University
College London and as a result of his deep mind and the sincerity of
the people that he encountered he developed true friends. This group of
friends continued to deepen their respect for and trust of one another.
*(The
relationship of UCL with Japan is a longstanding one as the first five
Japanese students ever to study outside Japan came to UCL in 1863, to be followed in 1865 by 14 young men of the Satsuma clan. Between them the two groups subsequently formed the first Meiji Government and founded modern Japan.). |
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| In
1993 a monument commemorating the original Choshu and Satsuma students
was to be erected within the college. The college suggested that Gagaku
music be performed at the unveiling ceremony. Mr. Toda, a follower of
Shogyoji Temple, revealed to the college the long history of Gagaku
performance at Shogyoji. Hence, Gagaku performers from Shogyoji came to
London for the ceremony. Fueled by the experience of participating in
this event, a richness of encounters took place between Japanese and
English peoples. |
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| Later
that same year Reverend Chimyo Takehara (Head Priest of Shogyoji) sent
Professor Taira Sato to London to further develop the friendships; to
increase Anglo-Japanese understanding and to promote spiritual
exchange. As a result more people from Shogyoji Japan gradually began
to visit England. It was at this point that Eza meetings started, held
at the house of Mr. Kenji Toda, attended by his English friends. |
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In 1994, with Mr. Kenji Toda returning to Japan, it was decided that a
permanant meeting place be bought for the continuation of the Eza and for
Prof. Taira Sato to continue his stay in England indefinitely. Three
Wheels was established in Acton, London. These friends
still continue to meet at the Three Wheels Eza, held once every two
months. Now they have been joined by many others and Three Wheels
continues to grow, history continues to be written. |
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