Our Story
Founded by the Tharpe family in 2025, Miroku Star Village grew out of years of quiet letter writing and a lifelong love of Japanese Zen.
HOW WE BEGAN
From Letters to a Community of Peace
For years, the work began in silence. Kazumi wrote letter after letter to people in deep isolation, many of them behind prison walls, and walked alongside people society had forgotten. Each letter was a real encounter between two hearts.
In 2025 Kazumi and Scott Tharpe founded Miroku Star Village NPO, known as 369 Star Village, to give that work a lasting home. Today it brings together Zen meditation for our community, outreach to people in prisons and on our streets, and practical help for older adults.
Miroku Star Village belongs to no one family. It is a public charity with a board of directors, built on the belief that a strong community starts with love and shared purpose.
OUR BELIEF
“World peace begins with the inner peace of every single individual.”
Kazumi Smith Tharpe, Founder
FOUNDER
Kazumi Smith Tharpe
Kazumi is the founder and spiritual guide of Miroku Star Village and the heart of the 369 Zen Circle. She brings Zen meditation, Qigong and the ancient Ryutai Moji script to people in Los Angeles and, through her letters, to people in facilities across the country.
Before founding Miroku Star Village she ran a childcare center, an experience that still shapes how gently she works with people.
Official Ryutai Moji credentials from the Ryutai Moji Promotion Council in Japan (龍体文字普及推進協議会):
- Certified Ryutai Moji Advisor®: teaches the history, meaning and calligraphy of the 48 characters
- Certified Ryutai Moji Concierge: authorized to share official Ryutai Moji goods
- Certified Ryutai Moji Conductor®: mentors future practitioners and preserves the lineage
GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP
The People Behind 369 Star Village
A founder, a board of directors and a small, devoted team of volunteers.
Scott Tharpe
President, Chairperson & Co-Founder. Oversees operations, compliance and logistics so our programs run smoothly. A master carpenter with more than 40 years of experience, he also leads 369 Life Service.
Isidro Martinez
Executive Director & Secretary, Director of Marketing & Events. Plans and coordinates our community events and how we share our mission.
Chizuru Kabe
Zen Circle Facilitator. Fitness instructor, Reiki Master and RYT 200 yoga teacher who opens each session with gentle, mindful movement.
Koichi Matsuoka
Board Member, Director of Zen Research & Programs. Designs structured meditation programs and our future retreats.
Kaori Imai
Board Member, Director of Zen Research & Rehabilitation Programs. Develops Zen-based programs for rehabilitation settings.
Cathryn Tharpe
Auditor. Keeps our finances transparent and helps share our programs with the community.
Barbara Hopkins
Public Relations. Builds relationships with partners and the press so our stories reach more people.
OUR JOURNEY
How We Grew
The first letters
Kazumi begins writing to people in prisons and juvenile centers across the United States.
Miroku Star Village is founded
The organization is formed in Los Angeles County and recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Out in the community
369 Star Village shares Zen practice and 369 Dragon Mist at community events in Torrance and at Tanaka Farms in Irvine.
The Zen Circle gathering
A community Zen gathering in the Torrance area, with Bridge USA as official sponsor.
Transparency You Can Check
verified
501(c)(3)
Registered public charity
receipt_long
EIN 41‑2541363
Federal tax ID for donation records
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UEI KSH3WA98QGJ7
Registered with SAM.gov
groups
Board-led
Independent auditor and board of directors
Walk With Us
Every gift and every volunteer hour helps us share peace with one more person.