Shoei Takahashi is a chief priest of Kotokuji temple (広徳寺) in Hokuto, Hokkaido. After practicing as a monk in Eiheiji monastery (永平寺) and Seishoji temple (青松寺) from 2006 to 2008, he visited over 20 Zen centers in Western Europe and practiced zazen with those sanghas as part of his work with the Soto Institute for Buddhist Studies. In his role as administrative assistant of the Sotoshu Training Monastery (Shuritsu Senmon Sodo), he provides Zazen instruction for foreigners.