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Story of Zen founder premieres at WMU

March 16, 2009

KALAMAZOO--In one of its first screenings in the United States, the newly released Japanese film “Zen” will be shown at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, March 26, in Room 2208 of Dunbar Hall at Western Michigan University. The screening is open to the public free of charge.

“Zen” tells the story of Dogen, the founder of the Zen Buddhism in Japan, born into the troubled times of 13th-century Japan. His quest for enlightenment led him on an adventurous journey to study in China. After attaining spiritual fulfillment, Dogen returned to Japan determined to bring peace and hope to the people struggling to survive in the ruins of war and poverty.

The 2009 film, released in Japan in January, is presented in Japanese with English subtitles and has a run time of 130 minutes. The film is not yet rated. Due to some mature content, it may be inappropriate for children under 16.

“Zen” is presented by WMU's Soga Japan Center with the cooperation of the Zen Production Committee and the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit.

To view the Japanese language trailer, visit www.zen.sh.

For more information, contact Takashi Yoshida at takashi.yoshida@wmich.edu.

Media contact: Thom Myers, (269) 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu

WMU News
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