Daionji Temple

Starting a new life in a new country can be challenging for some, for others, it pushes them past the breaking point. Millions of Vietnamese immigrants come to Japan seeking to earn enough money to start a better life once they return back home. However, this path entails a lot of obstacles– forced labor practices, poor living and working conditions, cultural isolation, and various financial and legal binds. What could they do?

When the whole world turns against them, Daionji Temple arrives with its motherly hands. Located in Honjo Saitama, Daionji is a Buddhist temple that has been a sanctuary for many Vietnamese immigrants in hardship. The head Vietnamese nun– Thích Tâm Chí and the people of the Temple have been helping many Vietnamese immigrants with finding jobs, dealing with foreign paperwork, and providing food, shelter, financial aid, and even funeral services. Since the pandemic, Daionji has delivered over 60000 food and aid packages to those who were struggling.

I’ve had the privilege to document and stay at the Temple for a few days. When I arrived, just like everyone else, I was greeted with a warm welcome and was offered food and a place to stay. Here I’ve met people from all walks of life– struggling immigrants, mothers, children, elders, the sick, the poor, and surprisingly many Japanese volunteers. Everyone provided a helping hand with planting crops, and trees, cooking, and other activities. No one was discriminated, and no one was left out. 

Daionji may be a small temple but it has a big heart.