Rev. Tetsuji Ochiai conducted Saitan-sai, the first ceremony of the year at Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs in Gilroy. In 1938 this hot springs was purchased by H.K.Sakata, a succesful Japanese farmer from watsonville. It was the only Japanese American owned commercial hot spring in California. The resort served as a recreational and spiritual center for Japanese Americans before World War II. Now Mr. Masaru Seido owned the hot spring since 1988. He opens it for members in weekend. There are Shinto Shrine in this property before World War II. The shrine was donated by president of Japanese sea food company in Tokyo. Gilroy Yamato shrine established before World War II as spiritual center of Japanese mind.

Rev. Yukiyasu Jun Yamamoto met with Mr. Seido at hot spring last year. Rev. Yamamoto really enjoyed to visit Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs and talked with Mr. Seido. Mr. Seido gave me the opportunity to conduct Shinto ceremony for new year.

Rev. Ochiai left for Gilroy at 6 o'clock on Jan. 1. It took me about three hours to get Gilroy shrine. After I arrived there, I prepared a special stuffs and clean up the shrine for ceremony. Eleven O'clock, about 50 people participated in this ceremony.

The Shinto prayer, the Norito was recited by Rev. Ochiai praying for prosperity of the Imperial house, world peace, good health and harvest of Gilroy member and participant of ceremony, and prayed for appreciation for protecting this land.

After Saitan-sai, I conducted several ceremonies for individual families for their wishes.

This is great place to refresh our body and mind. Mr. and Mrs. Seido deeply understand how important meaning of this shrine and hot springs to open for the people. I also really enjoyed to conduct Shinto ceremony there.

Rev. Ochiai

1998