It is understandable of course that Shin Temple leadership, being primarily Nisei and still remembering perhaps the stings of racism from WWII, are reluctant to outreach into the larger community. However, this attitude, along with a multitude of other problems such as the aforementioned overseas control has in fact led to rather steep decline in membership overall. This drop has led to a shortage of funds and to the outright closure of some temples. There is also a pending crisis due to a lack of young English-speaking ministers to replace those that will soon be retiring. Of course, it's just a fictional movie, but it is interesting to note that there is never any mention in Star Wars of an external creator god or supreme being.
Life creates it, makes it grow.
Its energy surrounds us and binds us. You must feel the force around you, here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere. But, along with Star Wars, I would also have to give credit to Disney films such as Pocahontas. Most Japanese-Americans are also familiar with the term itadakimasu, the Buddhist term said before eating that not only expresses gratitude for the life we are about to receive, but also the recognition that all life is precious and interconnected. For that matter, consider this passage from Disney's mega-hit The Lion King.