Although she had been in ill health since the year before last, Aiko Okubo realized her longing to fulfill her ijikamu in January this year – it was to pay homage at the Grand Shrine at Ise. Since then, she has become totally healed from her illness, and is now working hard for lectures and activities to familiarize people with ethics.
After World War II, she retreated from Manchuria leading her three small children by the hands. Settling to live with her husband’s family, she had a period when she was worried about the relationship with them. But her love for her children as a mother found an effusive outlet by her encounter with the Rinri Institute of Ethics. She has always carried a small book with her – “Happiness for the Millions” (the textbook of ethics issued by the Institute. Shown in the second photo). She never leaves even her bag to anyone when it contains the book. She continues doing volunteer activities at local nursing facilities at over ten locations for elderly people who are actually younger than she who is a bit over 100 years old.
Aiko Okubo
Born in Mito-city, Ibaraki. After marrying at 22, she moved to Manchuria with her husband who worked at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Returned to Japan in 1946. Sparked by a lecture that she attended wishing it would be helpful for her childcare, she began studying ethics at the Rinri Institute. Since then, she has striven to find places for “Asa no Tsudoi” (Morning Meeting) – now known as “Ohayo (Good Morning) Rinri Juku,” and traveled as a lecturer throughout the country. At present, she is a counselor at the Rinri Institute of Ethics.
Cooperation: Itako Rinri Hojin Kai, Ibaraki
This article has been originally appeared in “Shinsei” magazine, May 2010 issue, published by RINRI Institue of Ethics. Partially rewritten to update for this internet relaesing.
