History of Hawaii Jodo Shu

 

1893
September                 “Hawaii Senkyokai (Association to propagate the Jodo Shu                                         Teachings) was established.         
 
1894
March 25                     Rev. Taijo Matsuo arrived in Hawaii sent by Hawaii               
                                       Senkyokai.
May 14                          Rev. Gakuo Okabe arrived in Hawaii sent by Hawaii
                                       Senkyokai.

1895
                                       Rev. Matsuo started propagation on Oahu and on Kauai
                                       Rev. Gakuo Okabe started propagation on Big Island.
1896
November 26              The first Buddhist temple “Hamakua Bukkyokaido
                                        (Hamakua Jodo Mission)” welcomed the Buddha Statue   
                                        and opening ceremony
March                            Rev. Makaen Tanaka arrived in Hawaii (7years and 6
                                        months) and assigned to the 2nd minister of Hamakua.
April 14                     
June 4                            Rev. Gakuo Okabe resigned and returned to Japan
August 19                     Rev. Taijo Matsuo returned to Japan due to his sickness
September 13              Rev. Matsuo passed away
 
 
1942
February                    Detained minister sent to concentration camps in the US mainland.
1943                            Detained Bishop Kyokujo Kubo returned to Japan from the
                                     concentration camp on a Japan-U.S. exchange ship.
1944                            Year of the 50th Anniversary
1945
April 1                          The Japan-U.S. exchanged ship Awa Maru was sunk off the                                          coast of Taiwan, resulting the death of Rev. Jikyo Masaki.
December 10             All detained ministers, except one, returned to Hawaii and                                          resumed their positions at their respective temples.
1946
February 10                Rev. Ninryo Nago was inaugurated as the 8th Bishop of                                              Hawaii Jodo Shu; subsequently Bishops were elected from                                          Hawaii.
April 1                          The Laupahoehoe Jodo Mission was damaged by Tsunami
                                     from the Alaska earthquake.
1948
March 5                      Rev. Tetsusui Hanada was assigned to Puunene Jodo Mission.
April 1                          Haleiwa Jodo Mission and Taisho School were severely
                                    damaged by Tsunami.
1949                           Year of the 55th Anniversary
May 18                         Rev. Kogan Ekuan returned to Hawaii
June                             Rev. Kyodo Fujihana returned to resign the minister of     
                                      Puunene Jodo Mission.
July                              Rev. Hanada was assigned to Puunene Jodo Mission (as the
                                      6th minister).
September                 Rev. Buntetsu Miyamoto was inaugurated as the 9th Bishop
                                      of Hawaii Jodo Shu.
September                  Rev. Yoshiaki Yamanaka arrived in Hawaii (Soon to move to
                                     the U.S mainland.
September                 Rev. Shunjo Shiratori was assigned to Haleiwa Jodo Mission
                                      (as the 3rd minister).
September 2 to October 11  Archbishop Benkyo Shiio of the Jodo Shu Head
                                    Temple Zojoji toured all Jodo Shu temples in Hawaii.
1950
                                    Purchase of current site for Kapaa Jodo Mission (Rev. Shoyu Kitajima)
1951
September 29            Mrs. Ishi Uyenoyama, an assistant minister, died while
                                       visiting member’s house.
                                      Completion of the new Hondo at Kapaa Jodo Mission
1952                         
August                         Rev. Ryo Kawai arrived in Hawaii as an English-speaking assistant.
1953
June 26                       Rev. Shunjo Takahashi arrived in Hawaii (9 years and 3 months)
July 19                         Rev. Takahashi was assigned to Wainaku Jodo Mission (as the 9th minister). 
1954                            Year of the 60th Anniversary
June 11                        Rev. Ryokan Nakamura arrived in Hawaii (for 38 years and 5
                                      months) and assigned to Betsuin.
December 15             Rev. Yukino Inouye, a Nise (2nd generation Japanese-
                                     American), returned with fully ordained credentials and
                                      assigned as a part-time worker at the Betsuin.
1955
August 31                   Rev. Ryokan Nakamura was assigned to Kurtistown Jodo
                                      Mission (as the 4th minister).
December 30             Rev. Kodo Matsunami arrived in Hawaii (for 11 years)
1956
January 20                 Rev. Gido Shinbo and his family arrived in Hawaii.  He was
                                     assigned to Puunene Jodo Mission (as the 7th minister). 
February 4                 Rev. Shunjo Takahashi was assigned to Lahaina Joddo
                                      Mission (as the 7th minister).
March                         The 1st Yoshimizu Style Eisho begined in Hawaii (Puunene)
November  14            Rev. Shoyu Katsuki arrived in Hawaii (for 4 years), assigned to Betsuin.
1957
June 13                       The 11th Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
June                             The Kyoku established the departments of Planning, Youth
                                      and Library-Material.
March 9                      Haleiwa Jodo Mission was severely damaged by Tsunami;
                                     Taisho School collapses.
September                  Puunene Jodo Shu Japanese Language School opened(Rev.
                                      Shinbo)
December 3               Rev. Kenjo Urakami arrived in Hawaii and assigned to Betsuin.
1958                           Major events were canceled due to a long-term strike by
                                      sugar plantation workers.
1959                           The Year of the 65th Anniversary
June 20                       The 12th Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
August 21                   The Hawaii Young Buddhist Association was renamed as the
                                     Aloha State Meisho Young Ministers’ Association.
                                     Purchase of land in three phases for Haleiwa Jodo Mission
                                     (Rev. Shunjo Shiratori)
August                        The First branch of the Grand Head Temple Chionin
                                     Yoshimizuko was established at the Puunene Jodo Mission.
Octobe 1 to November 10    The Chief Abbot Shinko Kishi of the Jodo Shu Grand
                                     Head Temple Chion-in toured temples in Hawaii for the
                                     750th grand memorial of Honen Shonin
1960
May 23                        Hilo Meishoin was severely damaged by Tsunami
June                             Nisei Rev. Yuzen Imamura returned with fully ordained
                                     credentials and assigned to Wailuku Jodo Mission.
September 25            Betsuin’s Women’s Dormitory was completed.  The building
                                      name was named Miyamoto Building.
                                      A pilgrimage tour group from Hawaii was formed and
                                      attended the 750th grand memorial for Honen Shonin.
                                    Completion of a reinforced concrete two-story building at
                                      Haleiwa Taisho School. (Rev. Shiratori)
August 26-27             The 13th Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
September 19            The 10th Bishop Shinko Nakashima and his wife arrived in
                                      Hawaii (for 4 years).
                                      Publication of “Wajun” (an essay collection by Junior Buddhist Youth).
1962
March 16                     Nisei Rev. Michihiko Fujihana returned with fully ordained
                                      credentials and stationed at the Betsuin.
                                      Publication of “Light of Asaia” (Buddhist Scriptures in
                                      English).
1963
February 4                  Rev. Gensho Hara arrived in Hawaii and was assigned to
                                      Lahaina Jodo Mission (as the 8th minister).
February 4                 Rev. Kazuo Tanaka arrived in Hawaii (First time, 4 years and 6 months).
March 7 to April 2     The Grand Head Temple Chion-in’s envoy, Takugen Ukai,
                                       toured various temples for the grand memorial.
August 3-4                  The 14th Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin).
1964                            Year of the 70th Anniversary
April 25                       Hilo Meishoin, designated for relocation due to Tsunami
                                      damage, completed its new Hondo, hall, and residential
                                      buildings at the current site (Rev. Shuzui Hino)
                                       Rev. Hino handled administration at Wainaku Jodo Mission.
October                       Rev. Kazuo Tanaka was assigned to Kurtistown Jodo
                                       Mission (as the 5th minister). 
November                  Rev. Ryokan Nakamura was assigned to Hilo Meishoin (as
                                      the 4th minister).
October to November  Jodo Shu’s Secretary General Daigen Kobayashi toured
                                      Hawaii to perform the 70th Anniversary memorial service. 
                                       The English illustrated story “Honen Sama” was published
                                        and distributed to all members in Hawaii for free.
1965
April 22                        Rev. Kenjo Urakami was assigned to Koloa Jodo Mission (as
                                      the 8th minister).
August 28                    The 11th Bishop Shinga Inagaki and his wife arrived in
                                        Hawaii (for 2 years and 8 months).
                                      August 31 to September 1    The 15th Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
December                  Purchase of the current location of Puunene Jodo Mission in Kahului (Rev. Shinbo).
1966
March 16                    Rev. Yuuki Yamamoto arrived in Hawaii ( for 2 years and 8 months).
July 26                        Rev. Shinju Morimoto arrived in Hawaii (for 7 years) and was assigned to Kurtistown Jodo Mission (as the 6th minister).
August 11                   Rev. Ryo Kawai was assigned as an official minister under the new name “Rev. Ryosho” returned to serve the Betsuin (for 12 years).
November 9               Rev. Koyuu Kikuchi arrived in Hawaii ( for 5 years).
1967                         
June 24-25                 The 16th Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
July                              Rev. Ryoyuu Kitajima was assigned to Hawi Jodo Mission in addition to his duties at Kohala.   
1968
March 1                      Rev. Koyuu Kikuchi was assigned to Hawi Jodo Mission tentatively, and he took a leave of absence to move to the U.S. mainland, the following year.
May 1                          Rev. Kyodo Fujihana was inaugurated as the 12th Bishop.
                                    A ceremony was held for the establishment of Hawaii Jodo Shu Laypersons’ Association.
                                    Purchase for adjacent land for Lahaina Jodo Mission; construction of mini ’Great Buddha”, Centennial Bell, and bell tower (Rev. Gensho Hara).
September 29            The Hondo of Lahaina Jodo Mission was destroyed by fire.
1969                          Year of the 75th Anniversary
April 3                        Rev. Ryuei Ogawa and his wife arrived in Hawaii (for 5 years and 4 months)
May 25                        The Hawaii Jodo Shu Rengo Fujinkai (United Women’s Association) was established at the Betsuin.
June 28-29                 The 17th Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
June 28                       Hawaii Jodo shu Religious Organization regulations and Hawaii Jodo Shu Religious Organization rules”, created by legal experts, were approved.
July 21                        Rev. Chiyuu Sadakane arrived in Hawaii (4 years and 10 months) and stationed at Betsuin
July 25                        The First Japanese Jodo Shu Schout delegation arrived in Hawaii, touring various islands.
July 29                        The first temple established to address rural depopulation in Hawaii was renamed from Puunene Jodo Mission to Kahului Jodo Mission.
                                    Kahului Meisho Gakuen School opened (led by Rev. Gido Shinbo).
                                    Land adjacent to Wailuku Jodo Mission was purchased (Rev. Taizen Imamura).
1970
January 10                 Rev. Ryuei Ogawa was assigned to Hawi Jodo Mission (as the 6th minister),  while also serving at Kohala Jodo Mission.
May                             Wailuku Jodo Mission completed an 18-unit apartment building.
August 1                     The Hawaii Jodo Shu scout delegation departed for Japan.
October 23                 Rev. Kyosho Kudo arrived in Hawaii (12 years), assigned to Betsuin.
1971
                                    The Hondo and three-story pagoda of Lahaina Jodo Mission were completed.
May 1                          Rev. Koyuu Kikuchi returned to his position at the Betsuin.
August                        An English-speaking collection of sermons by 25 ministers in Hawaii was published.
September 5              The statue of Honen Shonin, dedicated to his quest for enlightenment, was established in the Betsuin’s front garden by Rev. Chiyuu Sadakane.
October 28                 Jodo Shu Jitei Fujinkai (Ministers’ Wives Association) and the Kacho Women’s Association delegation visited.  Special participation in the 2nd Federation Women’s Association Conference.
December 12             Rev. Yuutetsu Hara was assigned to Betsuin
1972
September 22-October 20    In commemoration of the 800th Anniversary of Jodo Shu, Chief Abbot of the Jodo shu Grand Head Temple Chioin toured temples in Hawaii
1973
July 22- August 5       The 2nd Japanese Jodo Shu Scout delegation arrived, touring various islands.
September 15-16      The 19th Kyhoku Meeting (Betsuin)
September 18            Rev. Bunjo Nishimura arrived n Hawaii (5 years and 3 months) and assigned to Kurtistown Jodo Mission (as the 7th minister), the following month.
1974                          Year of the 80th Anniversay
January 5                    Rev. Kyosho Kudo was assigned as the 6th minister of Kapaa Jodo Mission.
April 19                      A pilgrimage tour group was formed in Hawaii and visited the Jodo Shu Grand head temple Chion-in in commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Jodo Shu.
June 26-28                 The 68th Jodo Shu Advanced Teaching Seminar, organized by the Jodo Shu       
                                    Headquarters, was held.
October 28                 Rev. Joji Atone arrived in Hawaii (4 years and 5 months), assigned to
                                    Betsuin.
1975
February 23               The Hondo and hall of Haleiwa Jodo Mission were newly constructed (led by Rev. Shiratori).
March 15                    Rev. Kodo Tanaka arrived in Hawaii (4 years and 5 months), assigned to Betsuin.             
Rev. Washo Arita arrived in Hawaii (5 years and 4 months), assigned to Betsuin.
June 17 -21                 The Jodo Shu Headquarters and Hawaii Jodo Shu co-hosted a Yoshimizu style Eisho chanting seminar at Kahului Jodo Mission.
June 29                       Rev. Yuutetsu Hara was assigned to Hawi Jodo Mission (as the 7th minister) and the       Kohala Jodo Mission (as the 11th minister) .
August                        Jodo Shu Headquarters donated a complete collection of Jodo Shu All texts to all
                                    Jodo Shu temples in Hawaii.
September 4              Rev. Kodo Tanaka arrived in Hawaii (11 years and 11 months), assigned to Betsuin.
September 13            The 20th Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
September 13            Rev. Binno Mamiya was elected as the 13th Bishop of Hawaii Jodo Shu.
October 3                   The Hawaii Jodo Shu Young Ministers’ Association was formed for ministers under 43 years old.
1976
May 16                        The Jodo Shu Grand Head Temple Chion-in Yoshimizu Branch and its Hawaii regional headquarters were established.  A ceremony was held, and members from the Shiga Prefecture Hoyukai joined participating in a goodwill exchange across the islands.
August 25                   Rev. Kenjo Urakami was assigned to Betsuin.
September 5              Rev. Kodo Tanaka was assigned to Koloa Jodo Mission(as the 9th minister).
1977                         
January 4                    Rev. Washo Arita was assigned to Kohala Jodo Mission (as the 12th minister) and Hawi Jodo Mission (as the 8th minister).
May 14                        The Hawaii Jodo Shu Jitei Fujinkai (Ministers’ Wives Association) was established.
May 22-28                  Members of the Shizuoka district’s Yoshimizuko branch visited Hawaii, participating in goodwill exchanges across the islands.
July12                         Rev. Toyohiko Kurasawa arrived in Hawaii (2 years and 6 months).
September 4-5           The 21st Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
1978
January 28                 The hall of Kapaa Jodo Mission was completed.
April 29                      The hall of Koloa Jodo Mission was completed. 
August 19-20             The 85th anniversary of Hawaii Jodo Shu’s establishment in Hawaii and the 80th anniversary of the Jodo Shu district’s establishment were commemorated with ceremonies and events at the Betsuin.
                                    The Jodo Shu Headquarters Secretary General Kakujun Inaoka and a celebratory delegation (400 members) visited Hawaii.
August                        The publication of 3,000 Otsutome books.  The History of Jodo Shu’s 85 years in Hawaii was published.
August                        Creation of “Nenbutsu Ondo” ( a folk dance song for Bon Dance) by Tokio Takatsu(lyrics) and Moto Matsunami (composition).
December                   Rev. Wajira Wansa Shunji, from Sri Lanka, fully ordained and was assigned to Betsuin.
1979                          Year of the 85th Anniversary
January 18                 Rev. Wansa was assigned to Kurtistown Jodo Mission(as the 8th minister). 
May 3                          Rev. Junji Suginohra and his wife arrived in Hawaii. 
June 1                         Rev. Suginohara was assigned to Haleiwa Jodo Mission (as the 4th minister).
May                             The Hawaii Jodo Shu Fujinkai’s song (lyrics by Tokio Takatsu and composition by Moto Matsunami) and the folk dance (choregraphed by Tamaki Shinbo) were produced.
August 15                   Rev. Hakushi Tamura arrived in Hawaii and was assigned to Hakalau Jodo Mission (as the 10th minister) and Hamakua Jodo Mission (as the 11th minister). 
August 25-30             Members of Kyoto district’s Aoikai Association visited Hawaii, participating in goodwill exchanges across the islands.
September 14            The Social hall of Betsuin was newly constructed. (Bishop Binno Mamiya)
September 15-16      The 22nd Kyoku Meeting  (Betsuin)
1980
April 22                      Rev. Koyuu Shinde arrived in Hawaii (14 years and 1 month), assigned to the Betsuin.
June 30                       Rev. Tonshu Ohinata arrived in Hawaii (4 years and 8 months) and was assigned as the 13th minister of Kohala Jodo and the 9th minister of Hawi Jodo Mission.
June 29                       Rev. Kenji fujita arrived in Hawaii (4 years and 9 months) and was assigned to Betsuin.
September 2              Governor of Hawaii Geroge Ariyoshi signed and announced a proclamation declaring October as “Devotion month of the Master Zendo” in Hawaii.
October -November The 1,300th Anniversary of Zendo Daishi was commemorated with memorial services and ceremonies at each temple.
December 16-27       A survey of the religious conditions and practices of the Hawaii Jodo shu community was conducted by the Jodo Shu Headquarters.
1981
April 15                      Rev. Shodo Yabuki arrived in Hawaii (5 years and 9 months), assigned to Betsuin.
May                             Ministers’ parsonage was completed at Koloa Jodo Mission (Rev. Kodo Tanaka)
May 24-39                  Shizuoka District Jodo Shu Yoshimizuko 2nd visit group arrives, with friendly exchanges across the islands.
June 28                       Rev. Yuzen Imamura was assigned as the 14th minister of Wailuku Jodo Mission
September 12-13      The 23rd Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
September 12            Rev. Gido Shinbo was elected as the 14th Bishop of Hawaii Jodo Shu
September 14            Rev. Kazuo Tanaka and his wife returned to Hawaii (2nd visit, 5 years and 1 month) and assigned as the 5th minister of the Haleiwa Jodo Mission
October 10                 Rev. Takasu Sato and his wife arrived in Hawaii (3 years and 4 months)
October 11                 Rev. Junji Suginohara was assigned to Kahului Jodo Mission (as the 8th minister). 
1982
February 24               The 850th anniversary of the birth of Honen Shonin and Gagaku performance by the Jodo Shu Head Temple Zojoji.
February                    Gagaku performance by the Zojoji Gagaku Association in Honolulu and Hilo.
May 1                          Start of bilingual telephone Dharma Talks in four islands.
June 12 -19                 The Fukuoka District Yoshimizuko visit group arrived, with friendly exchanges across the islands.
October 5                   Governor of Hawaii, George Ariyoshi, signed and announced a declaration to designate October as the month of Honen Shonin in Hawaii.
October 15                 Rev. Koyu Shinde was assigned to Kapaa Jodo Mission (as the 7th minister).
October 17                 850th Anniversary memorial service of Honen Shonin held at the Jodo Shu Head Temple Zojoji with participation from a visiting delegation from Japan.
October -November
November 23             Hurricane Iwa caused damage to Haleiwa and Jodo Mission temples on Kauai and their followers.
1983
January                       Launch of the “Offering One Meal Movement” as a Buddhist practice movement.
                                    Jodo Shu Culture exhibition held: January 5-9 in Honolulu, January 15-17 in Maui, January 25-28 in Hawaii island.
March 1                      Rev. Gikyo Yoshimizu and his wife arrived in Hawaii (4 years and 4 months)
May                             Distribution of video players for audiovisual evangelism to each Jodo Mission
June 12                       50th anniversary of the relocation of Betsuin.  60th Anniversary celebration of the Honolulu Jodo Shu Fujinkai.
September 10-11      The 24th Kyhoku Meeting (Betsuin)
September 10            Rev. Ryokan Nakamura was elected as the 15th Bishop
September                  Rev. Junji Suginohara was assigned to Hilo Meishoin (as the 5th minister). 
September                  Rev. Gigyo Yoshimizu was appointed as the 9th minister of Kahului Jodo Mission.
1984                          Year of the 90th Anniversary
March 29                    Rev. Kazuhide Takakura and his wife arrived in Hawaii (3 years and 1 month)
July                              Rev. Koyu Shinde returned to the Betsuin
July 4                          Rev. Kazuo Tanaka was assigned to Kapaa Jodo Mission (as the 8th minister). 
August 21-23             1st Youth Retreat held in Big Island.
October 12-21           Jodo Shu Chief Abbot Jitsuou Fujii conducted the 90th Anniversary celebration in four islands; 14th at Betsuin, 16th on Kauai, 17th on Maui and 18th on Hawaii.
October 10                 Erection of the bust of Rev. Gakuo Okabe at Hamakua Jodo Mission.
October 10                 Publication of the 90th anniversary commemorative books “Hawaii Jodo Shu 90 years Journey,” “English Dharma Talks” and “Roadside Stone” by Stephen Kotake.
1985
February 26               Rev. Koon Hienuki arrived in Hawaii (5 years and 5 months) and was assigned as the 10th minister of the Hawi Jodo Mission and the 14th minister of Kohala Jodo Mission.
March 2                      Rev. Yubun Narashiba arrived in Hawaii
April 23                      Rev. Junyu Kudo arrived in Hawaii
September 7-8           The 25th Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
October                       Completion of the Hondo at Koloa Jodo Mission (Rev. Kodo Tanaka)
1986
November 1               Rev. Junyu Kudo was assigned to Kapaa Jodo Mission (as the 9th minister). 
1987
June                             Rev. Hiroshi Mizutani arrived in Hawaii
June                            Jodo Shu training course for Eisho Teachers and general lecture for Eisho chanting held.
August 1                     Rev. Gikyo Yoshimizu was assigned to Kahului Jodo Mission.
August 17-25             Jodo Shu Scout delegation visited.
September 1              Rev. Yubun Narashiba was assigned to Koloa Jodo Mission (as the 10th minister). 
September 5-6           The 26th Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
1988                         
March 26                    Rev. Koon Hienuki was assigned to Haleiwa Jodo Mission (as the 7th minister). 
August 29                   Rev. Ryoshuu Yoshimizu and his wife arrived in Hawaii (3 years), assinged as the 15th minister of Kohala Jodo Mission and the 11th minister of Hawi Jodo Mission.
October 4                   Hawaii Jodo Shu visiting delegation participates in the Yoshimizuko conference at the Grand Head Temple Chioni-n, Japan
1989                          Year of the 95th Anniversary
May 28                        Archbishop Kakujun Inaoka of Konkai Komyoji temple, conducted services at temples in Hawaii.
September 1-3           The 27th Kyoku meeting (Zoom)
1990
June 1                         Rev. Anyu Matsunami was assigned as the minister and returned to Hawaii, serving as a office worker at the Hilo Meishoin.
August 30                   Rev. Michihiro Fukuhara arrived in Hawaii (3 years)
1991
September1               Rev. Anyu Matsunami was assigned to Haleiwa Jodo Mission.
September 4              Rev. Hiroshi Anzai arrived in Hawaii (1 year and 7 months)
August 31- September 1       The 28th Kyoku Meeting (Betsuin)
November 18             Rev. Chishun Uyenoyama was assigned as the minister and returns to Hawaii.
November 29             The 16th Bishop of Hawaii, Rev. Tokujun Ishihara arrived in Hawaii.
1992
July 24                        Rev. Daisuke Kaneda arrived in Hawaii
August 19                   Rev. Yoshun Ienaga and his wife arrived in Hawaii (5 months)
August 20-24             Jodo Shu Scout delegation visited
September 1              Rev. Anyu Matsunami was assigned to Haleiwa Jodo Mission (as the 8th minister).  
September 11            Hurricane Iniki caused severe damages to the Koloa, Kapaa Jodo Mission temples.
 

1994                           Year of Centennial Celebration 

October 21-23           Under the able leadership of Bishop Tokujyun Ishihara     
                                     100th Year Anniversary Celebration of Hawaii Jodo Shu was 
                                     successfully held. Over 1,500 followers of Nenbutsu 
                                     participated in this celebration. 

December 21- 22       Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop (Betsuin) 

 

1995 

April 9                         70th Minister’s Meeting 

May 5-7                       Hawaii Jodo Shu Rengo Fujinkai Convention on Maui 

September 3             71st Minister’s Meeting — Jodo Shu Headquarters 
                                      appointed Bishop Chikai Shibamura as successor to Bishop 
                                      Tokujun Ishikawa. 

September                 30th Kyoku Convention (Betsuin) 

 

1996 

January 10, February 7, March 8 Eisho Seminar at the Betsuin, instructed by Rev. 
                                      Junji Suginohara and Tomoko Suginohara. 

February 22               Ceremonial workshop for ministers, instructed by Bishop 
                                     Kencho Fukunishi held at Betsuin. 

April 11                        International Symposium; The Life, Thought, and Legacy of 
                                     Honendo Genku held at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu. 
                                     Co-sponsored by: University of Hawaii Buddhist Study 
                                     Program and Hawaii Jodo Shu. 

April 11-12                   72nd Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin)   

April 13                        Minister’s Workshop: lecturer Prof. Iyogen Fujimoto 

April 26-28                  14th HCJM Layperson’s Association Convention (Maui) 

May 24-26                   9th Yoshimizuko Convention (Kauai) 

June 7-9                       55th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Hilo) 

September 3-4           73nd Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin) 

Nov 29-Dec 2              Hawaii Ministers attended International Honen Study 
                                       Symposium and Overseas Minister’s Conference at Bukkyo 
                                       University Los Angeles Branch. 

December 26-27        Ministers and Ministers’ wives workshop (Betsuin), 
                                       lecturers Professor Shogen Miyabayashi (Taisho 
                                       University), Thomas Ho and Toyoko Iwase. 

 

 

1997 

April 8-9                      74th Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin) 

April 12-23                   Hawaii Yoshimizuko Japan Visitation 

May 2-4                       15th Hawaii Rengo Fujinkai Convention (Big Island) 

May 18-20                    23rd Josei Convention (Betsuin) 

June 13-14                    56th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Betsuin) 

September 12-14       31st Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions Kyoku Convention (Betsuin) 

September 12-14        75th Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin) 

December 25-26         Minister and Ministers’ wives workshop (Betsuin),                                                          lecturers Professor Shogen Miyabayashi (Essence of          
                                        Senchaku Shu), Rev. Sadanobu Washimi, Rev. Kenjo 
                                        Urakami (English translation of Jodo shu Three Sutra’s), 
                                        Rev. Yubun Narashiba (Wedding Rite). 

 

 

1998 

April 14-15                     76th Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin) 

June 6-8                         280th Koto Koshukai Symposium—“The choice of
                                        Spiritualism for Peaceful Human Coexistence in the 21st
                                        Century” held in commemoration of the 800th
                                        Anniversary of Senchaku Hongwan Nenbutsu Shu by 
                                        Honen Shonin. 

                                        Presenters: Professor Shogen Miyabayashi, Taisho 
                                        University, Professor Kyokuyu Minejima, Waseda 
                                        University, Assistant Professor Takatoshi Hirokawa, Taisho                                          University. 

                                        Keynote speaker: Dr. Hayao Kawai, Director of Japan 
                                        International Cultural Study Center 

                                        Panelist: Dr. Kyohiko Fujimoto, Bukkyo University, Dr. Soho 
                                        Machida, Princeton University, Dr. Ahmed Saleem, East-
                                        West Center, Dr. David Chappel, University of Hawaii, Dr. 
                                        Mark Unno, Carlton University 

                                        Coordinator: Dr. Alfred Bloom, University of Hawaii 

June 12-14                      57th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Maui) 

September 26-27        15th HCJM Layperson’s Association Convention (Kauai) 

December 21-22           Minister and Ministers’ wives workshop (Betsuin), 
                                         lecturers Professor Shogen Miyabayashi (Taisho 
                                         University) and Rev. Sadanobu Washimi (Jodo shu 
                                         Insitute). 

December 25                Bishop Chikai Shibamura returned to Japan. 

 

1999                               Year of the 105th Anniversary 

March 2-3                       78th Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin) 

March 21-23                    Youth Retreat (Hawaii) 

March 30                        “Inzei Nenbutsu” Dedication by Kanagawa Jodo shu Seinenkai 

May 14-16                         State Yoshimizuko Convention (Kauai) 

July 28                               Former Bishop Gido Shimbo passed away. 

August 29                        Bishop Gido Shimbo’s Official Kyoku sponsored funeral 
                                           at the Betsuin. 

September 10- 12          Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions Kyoku Convention—
                                           Bishop Yubun Narashiba elected Bishop 

September 10-12            79th Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin) 

September 26                 Special ceremony “Freeing Fishes” ritual at Sheraton 
                                           Waikiki sponsored by Hawaii Jodo shu with cooperation 
                                           of Grand Head Temple Chion-in. 

December 21                   Closing ceremony of historic Laupahoehoe Jodo
                                           Mission. 

 

2000 

March 26-28                     Youth Retreat (Kahului) 

May 15-17                          Jodo shu Ceremonial Workshop for ministers, lecturer 
                                            Rev. Kencho Fukunishi, and Rev. Shojun Tahara. 

May 18-19                          Goeika Workshop, lecturers Rev. Kido Matsunami and 
                                            Rev. Matsuno. 

June 9-11                            59th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Oahu) 

September 22-24            16th HCJM Laypersons’ Association Convention (Big 
                                            Island) 
October                             Koloa Jodo Mission 90th Anniversary Celebration

 

2001 

March 26-28                      Youth Retreat (Kahului) 

June 8-10                            60th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Maui) 

September 21-23              Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions Kyoku Convention 
                                              (Betsuin) 

September 21-23              82nd Minister’s Meeting 

Sept 28- Oct 4                    Visitation to Grand Temple Chion-in, Kyoto, Japan in 
                                              commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Chion-in 
                                              Yoshimizuko. 

November 27-29               Ceremonial Study Workshop for ministers at Betsuin, 
                                              lecturer Rev. Kencho Fukunishi and Rev. Shojun Tahara. 

December 25-26                Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop at Betsuin, 
                                               lecturer Rev. Sadanobu Washimi, Jodo shu Research
                                               Institute. 

2002 

May 8                                   83rd Minister’s Meeting 

June 7-9                               61st Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Hawaii) 

June 15                                 Kurtsitown Jodo Mission 100 Anniversary 
                                              Commemoration service 

September 4                      84th Minister’s Meeting 

September 20-27              17th Hawaii Jodo shu Layperson’s Convention (Maui) 

October 12                          Kapaa Jodo Mission 90th Anniversary service and celebration 

October 26                          Haleiwa Jodo Mission 90th Anniversary service and 
                                               celebration 

November 26-28                 Jodo shu ritual workshop for ministers at Betsuin 

December 23-24                 Ministers & Ministers’ Wives Workshop (Betsuin) 

 

2003 

January 28-30                      Yoshimizuko Workshop (Honolulu) 

March 23-25                         Youth Retreat (Big Island) 

May 23-24                             Rengo Fujinkai Convention (Maui) 

June 17-18                              Intermediate YBA Group Japan Trip 

June 20-22                            62nd Aloha State Meisho YBA (Honolulu) 

September                           Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions Kyoku Convention
                                                (Betsuin) 

December 22-23                 Ministers & Ministers’ Wives Workshop (Betsuin), 
                                                lecturer Bishop Ryokan Nakamura. 

 

2004                                    Year of the 110th Anniversary 

April 26-27                           87th Minister’s Meeting 

June 11-13                             63rd Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Maui) 

Sept 24-26                           18th Hawaii Jodo shu Layperson’s Convention (Kauai) 

October 16                          Hakalau Jodo Mission 100th Anniversary Service 

November 12-13                 Wailuku Jodo Mission 90th Anniversary Service 

December 20- 21                Ministers & Ministers’ Wives Workshop (Betsuin), 
                                               lecturers Archbishop Shogen Miyabayashi (Kamakura 
                                               Komyoji Temple), Sadanobu Washimi (Taisho 
                                               University), Yoshiharu Tomatsu (Jodo shu Institute) 
                                               and Bishop Ryokan Nakamura. 

 

2005 

February 26                         Closing Ceremony of Wainaku Jodo Mission 

March 8-9                             88th Minister’s meeting (Hilo Meishoin) 

June 10-12                             64th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Las Vegas) 

September 24-25                35th Kyoku Convention (Hilo Meishoin) 

October 5-9                          Youth Camp tour to Los Angeles 

 

2006 

June 23-24                             65th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Oahu) 

June 24-25                             Pre-800th Grand Memorial Service of Honen Shonin
                                                Jyukaie Ceremony officiated by Archbishop Shogen 
                                                Miyabayashi of Komyoji Temple. 

June 25-28                             Archbishop Miyabayashi Dharma Teaching tour to all 
                                                Hawaii Jodo shu temples. 

September 8-10                  HCJM Layperson’s Convention (Oahu) 

December 18-19                  Ministers & Ministers’ Wives Workshop (Betsuin) 

 

2007 

March 5                                 90th Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin) 

May 11                                    Rev. Akinori Yoshimizu assigned to Betsuin 

June 8-10                               66th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Maui) 

September 21-23                 36th Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions Kyoku 
                                                Convention (Betsuin) 

                                                Rev. Wajira Wansa of Kurtistown Jodo Mission 
                                                unanimously elected as Bishop of the Hawaii Council 
                                                of Jodo Missions. 

September 21-23                 91st Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin, in conjunction with 
                                                Kyoku Convention) 

December 20-21                  Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop at Betsuin, 
                                                 lecturers Archbishop Shogen Miyabayashi, Dr. 
                                                 Sadanobu Washimi, Rev. Yoshiharu Tomatsu, Rev. 
                                                 Eishin Nenoi. 

2008 

March 3-4                              92nd Minister’s Meeting 

June 14                                   67th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Las Vegas) 

August 20                             93rd Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin) 

September 19-21                 20th HCJM Layperson’s Convention (Hilo Meishoin) 

December 22-23                  Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop. lecturers 
                                                Rev. Shinko Kanda (Chion-in Otetsugi Undo), Dr. 
                                                Sadanobu Washimi, Rev. Yoshiharu Tomatsu. 

 

2009                                     Year of the 115th Anniversary 

March 2-3                              94th Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin) 

March 30-31                          Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop. Lecturer: 
                                                 Rev. Kanjun Nakano (Service with Gathas) 

June 12-14                              68th YBA & 21st Rengo Fujinkai Joint Convention 
                                                (Betsuin) 

September 18-20                  37th Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions Kyoku 
                                                 Convention (Betsuin) 

September 18-20                  96th Minister’s Meeting (Betsuin) 

October 24                             Hawi Jodo Mission Centennial Celebration 

November 6-8                       Kahului Jodo Mission Centennial Celebration 

December 22-23                    Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop, lecturers 
                                                  Dr. Sadanobu Washimi, Rev. Yoshiharu Tomatsu, Rev. 
                                                  Bunyu Shirahata, Rev. Kodo Tanaka. 

 

2010 

January 31                               Funeral Service for Mrs. Teruko Mamiya (Bishop 
                                                  Mamiya’s widow). 

March 1-2                                97th Minister’s Meeting 

June 4-6                                  69th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Maui) 

June 25                                   Pre-800th Grand Memorial Service of Honen Shonin
                                                 officiated by Archbishop Kisho Yagi of Grand Temple 
                                                 Zojoji and the 60 Year Commemorative Celebration 
                                                 of founding of Yoshimizuko. 470 Yoshimizuko 
                                                 members from Japan visited and participated in 
                                                 services. Various groups visited temples on Hawaii, 
                                                 Maui and Kauai and observed commemoration 
                                                 services respectively. 

June 26                                   Hilo Meishoin Mission Centennial Celebration 
                                                 officiated by Archbishop Shogen Miyabayashi from 
                                                 Komyoji Temple, Kamakura (Chion-in/Zendoji 
                                                 Yoshimizuko Group of 200) 

June 26                                   Zojoji Yoshimizuko Maui Temples (Kahului and 
                                                 Wailuku) visitation with service officiated by 
                                                 Archbishop Kisho Yagi at Lahaina Jodo Mission. 

June 26                                   Koloa Jodo Mission Centennial Service, Chion-
                                                in/Zendoji Yoshimizuko visitation 

September 17-19                21st Laypersons’ Association/22nd Rengo Fujinkai 
                                               Convention (Maui) 

September 19                     Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions Kyoku Executive 
                                               Meeting (Wailuku) 

November 20-21                Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop 

November 20-21                Zenshinza Theater Play, Honen and Shinran (Honolulu) 

 

2011 

February 1-2                         99th Ministers Meeting (Betsuin) 

February 19                         100 Anniversary Service of Koloa Jodo Mission 

June 10-12                             Hawaii State Meisho YBA Convention (Hilo) 

September 16-18                 38th Hawaii Council of Jodo Mission Kyoku 
                                               Convention (Betsuin) 

September 18                     800th Grand Memorial Service of Honen Shonin at 
                                               Betsuin 

September 28                     Hawaii Yoshimizuko pilgrimage tour to Chion-in 
                                                Temple, Kyoto, Japan to participate in 800th Grand 
                                                Memorial of Honen Shonin Yoshimizuko Convention. 

 

2012 

February 8                           Minister’s Seminar sponsored by Pure Land Institute, 
                                                lecturer: Dr. Soho Machida, Hiroshima University. 

April 10-13                             Hawaii Jodo shu grand temple pilgrimage Japan tour. 

April 12                                  Hawaii Yoshimizuko participated Zojoji Temple’s 
                                                Yoshimizuko Daikai commemorating Honen Shonin’s 
                                                Grand Memorial service. 

June 8-10                               71st Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Oahu) 

September 21-22                22nd Laypersons’ Association/23rd Rengo Fujinkai 
                                               Convention (Kauai) 

October 20-21                     Lahaina Jodo Mission Centennial Celebration 

November 10                      Haleiwa Jodo Mission Centennial Celebration 

December 18-19                 Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop (Betsuin). 
                                               Lecturer: Dr. George Tanabe, University of Hawaii 
                                               “Japanese Temples in Hawaii” 

 

2013 

February 16                         Kapaa Jodo Mission Centennial Celebration 

June 7-9                                72nd Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Maui) 

September 21-22                39th Hawaii Council of Jodo Mission Kyoku Convention (Betsuin) 

                                               Leonard Chow elected as President of HCJM 

December 21-22                 Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop. Lecturer: 
                                               Archbishop Shogen Miyabayashi, Grand Temple 
                                               Komyoji, Bishop Shodo Kobayashi, President of All 
                                                Japan Buddhist Foundation, Rev. Yoshiharu Tomatsu 
                                                Rev. Dosho Takeda. 

 

2014                                     Year of the 120th Anniversary 

June 6-8                                73rd Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Hilo) 

September 19-21                23rd HCJM Layperson’s and Rengo Fujinkai Convention (Hilo) 

September 20                     Hawaii Jodo shu 120 Year Commemorative Service at 
                                                Hamakua Jodo Mission. 

December 20- 21                 Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop. Lecturers: 
                                                Rev. Eishin Nenoi, Rev. Shinri Hara. 

December 21                       105th Minister’s Meeting 

 

2015 

March 14-15                         Hawaii Jodo shu 120 Year Commemoration Seminar 

                                               Speaker: Dr. Jyogen Fujimoto, Director of Jodoshu 
                                               Research Institute 

                                               Panelist: Bishop Joji Atone (North America), Bishop 
                                               Eduardo Sasaki (South America), Gary Link (New York), 
                                               Leonard Chow (Hawaii). 

March 23                              Bishop Ryokan Nakamura passed away 

May 31                                  Bishop Dwight Ryokan Nakamura’s Kyokuso Funeral 
                                              (Betsuin) 

June 5-7                                74th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention at Aulani 
                                              (Oahu) 

September 18-19               40th Hawaii Council of Jodo Mission Kyoku 
                                              Convention (Betsuin) 

September 18                    106th Minister’s Meeting 

December 18-19                 Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop. Lecturer: 
                                               Rev. Eishin Nenoi, Study tour to BDK Hawaii. 

 

2016 

April 20                                 Ministers Meeting, Draft for Future Vision of Hawaii 
                                                Jodo shu 

June 10-12                             75th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Maui) 

September 16-18                24th HCJM Layperson’s/ 25th Rengo Fujinkai 
                                                Convention (Maui) 

November 10                      Skype Ministers meeting 

 

2017 

April 10-13                             Official visitation of Jodo shu Secretary General,
                                                Bishop Toyooka and Jodo shu Social and International 
                                                Department Head Bishop Sugiyama 

May 1                                     107th Ministers Meeting (Betsuin) 

June 2-4                                 76th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Hilo) 

September 15-17                 Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions Kyoku Convention     
                                                (Betsuin) 

                                                 Bishop Narashiba elected Bishop of HCJM 

December 12                        Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop 

 

2018 

January 30                             108th Ministers Meeting via Skype 

                                                  Decided to purchase Hamakua Jodo Mission’s 
                                                  property with aid from Minister’s fund and support 
                                                  of Jodo shu Headquarters. 

February 11                             Gagaku performance by Shizuoka Kyoku Gagakukai
                                                 (Betsuin). 

April 17                                    109th Ministers Meeting via Skype 

June 8-10                                 77th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Oahu) 

July 20                                     Bishop Narashiba passed away 

                                                 Rev. Koji Ezaki, President of the Ministers         
                                                 Association of HCJM appointed Acting Bishop of  
                                                 HCJM by Kyoku President, Leonard Chow. 

September 20                      Bishop Yubun Narashiba’s Kyokuso funeral service 
                                                 held at Betsuin 

September 21-23                 25th HCJM Layperson’s/26th Rengo Fujinkai 
                                                 Convention (Hilo) 

September 23                       Hawaii Council of Jodo Missions Kyoku Executive 
                                                 Meeting (Hilo Meishoin) 

December                             Ministers and Ministers’ Wives Workshop, lecturer 
                                                 Les Goto of JCCH, visit to Gannenmono 150 Special      
                                                 Exhibition at Bishop Museum. 

 

2019                                      Year of the 125th Anniversary 

May 31- June 2                      78th Aloha State Meisho YBA Convention (Maui) 

June 9                                     Hawaii Jodo shu 125 Year Commemoration Service at
                                                 the Betsuin and Celebration observances.