Harutami Ajiki
November 18, 1926 — December 24, 2020
Harutami Ajiki was born in Tokyo, Japan on November 18, 1926 the third of three children, all boys. Harutami did well in school enjoying philosophy, world affairs, Japanese and world literature. He excelled in swimming, exemplified by swimming across the lake the family vacationed at during the summer.
When Harutami was a teenager, Japan was deep into WWII and Tokyo suffered devastating air raids in which the Ajiki family survived but their home was burned to the ground. After the war the family struggled but recovered in time.
Harutami’s mother was involved in Sekai Kyusei Kyo, who’s members channeled Johrei, a physical and spiritual body purifying practice. A family friend contracted tuberculosis; there was no cure at the time and he was in a dire condition. Harutami’s mother brought him into their home for nursing and channeled Johrei to him everyday and he was rid of the disease. Several years later Harutami’s mother suffered from yellow jaundice and her doctor concluded that she would not live much longer. Nevertheless, members from Sekai Kyusei Kyo channeled Johrei to her everyday and the disease dematerialized and she recovered. These two eye witness accounts, among many others, propelled him into deciding to become a minister trainee for Sekai Kyusei Kyo which he did in 1946.
After several years of dedicated work, he was dispatched in 1953 with his mentor, Rev. Kiyoko Higuchi, to start Sekai Kyusei Kyo in Hawaii. He and Rev. Higuchi channeled Johrei to thousands of people and hundreds became members. After this successful two year mission, he went back to Japan and married Michiko Katsuno, the love of his life and career partner. In 1956 with Rev. Higuchi, again, and this time with his now family, including a baby girl Momoyo in tow, they were sent to establish Sekai Kyusei Kyo on the mainland. Over a 30-year period, eventually, 20 Johrei Centers all over the United States and Canada were created. And three more children were added to the family. Reverend Ajiki became the Head Minister of the Los Angeles Center in 1971.
Then in 1988, when he was 62, close to his retirement age, due to encouraging member potential, Harutami and Michiko, both still youthful, packed their bags and moved to Tucson, Arizona. They established the Tucson Johrei Center, constructing a pueblo style building harmonious to the surrounding southwest landscape to create a micro paradise setting where people can be spiritual, members come everyday to Johrei each other and guests, have monthly services, group discussions about spiritual growth and partake in an array of bonding activities like Japanese Flower Arranging, Tea Ceremony, Art Exhibits and listen to live music. They lived joyfully in Tucson for almost 30 years.
Rev. Harutami Ajiki fulfilled his personal dream of helping people with their mental, spiritual and physical suffering and in many cases reverse dire physical conditions and saved lives. He did this in large part by participating in the growth of the Johrei movement since 1953 in the United States, Canada and part of Europe for the Sekai Kyusei Kyo organization.
Michiko passed on September 21, 2018 in Tucson and Harutami passed peacefully in his loving daughter, Margot’s home in Chatsworth, California on December 24, 2020. Harutami and Michiko are survived by their children Sandra Momoyo Sakakibara, David Ajiki, Margot Vellve (husband Jaime), Robert Katsuno and their grandchildren Miki, Akio, Shani, Jessica. Lauren, and Margareth.
The funeral date has yet to be determined.