A Message for a
Meaningful New Year
Rinban Kenjun Kawawata‘wa’harmony

Higashi Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin
Bulletin

1

January 2018

Higashi Hongwanji
Mission of Hawaii
At Higashi Hongwanji, we remaintrue to our origins
as an open Sangha, welcoming
anyone who wishes to learn more
about the Jodo Shinshu
tradition of Buddhism.
A registered 501(c)3 organization
Rinban: Kenjun Kawawata
Minister: Koen Kikuchi
President: Faye Shigemura
Vice President: Jonathan Tani
Secretary: Debra Saiki
Treasurer: Edmund Nakano
Asst. Sec’y & Auditor: Ken Saiki
1685 Alaneo Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
Tel: (808) 531-9088
Fax: (808) 531-3265
Email: betsuin@hhbt-hi.org
Wa is published monthly byHigashi Hongwanji Missionof Hawaii for its members
and friends. Comments,
articles and other items for
publication consideration
are welcomed.
Editor: Ken Saiki

H

appy New Year! First of all I would like toexpress my sincere appreciation to all of you
who supported this Betsuin over the past year.
Without your support, we could not have hadsuch a progressive year at our temple.
I would like to ask for your continued
support and guidance for this year, to once
again ensure another successful year for 2018.
Five years have already passed since I wastransferred to Hawai’i as Rinban for this Betsuin
and as Kantoku (Bishop) for the Hawaii District.
After I arrived in Hawai’i, I realized that all
traditional temples and churches have been
facing declining numbers in membership andhave a difficult time maintaining their sangha
and congregations.
Our Betsuin has been facing the samesituation. Therefore, our Betsuin and District
have begun to focus on raising lay leaders andimplementing educational efforts such as ourMinisters Assistant Program (MAP), which isdesigned to grow lay leaders who can workwith temple ministers and help witheducation programs and services.
We are fortunate to have five members
on Oahu currently enrolled in the MAP
initiative. They have all indicated theirwish to listen to and deepen theirunderstanding of the Dharma and expressed
their willingness to help their temples. We hopethat with these MAP class participants, theBetsuin and other District temples will become more
active and will be able to be in a better position toshare the Dharma in the community. We therefore
believe that these kinds of classes and programs are very important for
the future of our temples.
We have also been introducing Hoshin Kanri concepts into ourBetsuin to assist us in our day-to-day governance, temple activities
and service we provide to the community. We are constantly
evaluating what we do to try to improve the Betsuin’s functions andmake our services and activities more effective to benefit the sangha
members and our community. We appreciate your past kokua and I
humbly ask your contined support of and cooperation with theBetsuin as well as its activities this year, too.
I also wish that I will see you at the temple and at other occasions
so that we can listen to the dharma together and have anothermeaningful year for 2018.
Thank you very much.

New Year Messages from Honzan

Chōyū Ōtani
est wishes for a Happy New Year toOverseas District Abbot in 2011, I visited
Overseas District Abbot all overseas districts and had the chance
all of our fellow followers in theoverseas districts. It is with great pleasure
to meet many sangha members. ThroughShinshū Ōtani-hathat I can share the joy of welcoming insuch experiences, I realized the(Higashi Honganji)
the new year together with you.
significance of the long history ofHaving completed the renovation
nenbutsu followers and of ourproject of the Founder’s Hall and Amida Halldenomination, the preciousness of thatat our Honzan, our denomination has
history, and the importance of sharing
opened a new chapter in our history to work
the experiences of listening to thetoward the 850th Anniversary of Shinranteaching with each other. For the next
Shōnin’s Birth and the 800th Anniversary offew years, I look forward to sharing mythe Establishment of Jōdo Shinshū in 2023
understanding of the Dharma withtogether with our fellow followers.
sangha members in Japan.
Since last year, I have attended
I conclude my message by expressing
services held at all Betsuin temples in
my wish that each of us will be awakened
Japan. It will take four years to finish theto the vow of the Tathāgata.
Thank you.
visitation. After I was appointed asBIwish to extend my warmest New Year’s
greetings to all of you in our overseas districts.
As you know, Rev. Shin’ya Yasutomi,
professor emeritus of Ōtani University,
passed away on March 31 last year. He had
been taking on a number of heavy
responsibilities for our denomination such as
in serving as the head of the Institute of
Research on Shin Buddhist Studies. His
proficiency in English made him such animportant person for the religious andphilosophical communities across the world.
I remember that he used to describe
the modern world as “the world ofintolerance.” What is expressed as“intolerance” here is the problem that eachof us has to face. It is our innate tendency toblindly justify ourselves and blame others.
Shinran Shōnin deeply lamented this reality,
saying that it is the cause which creates the“Five Defilements” in this world. On manyoccasions, Rev. Yasutomi talked about how
important it is for us to have “dialogue” with

2Bishop

Hiroshi Tajima

Chief Administrator
Shinshū Ōtani-ha(Higashi Honganji)people who have different perspectives.
Once again, I am reminded of theimportance of achieving harmony withpeople worldwide beyond differences ofethnicity, nationality, and religion.
Our denomination has started to workon the new projects which are tocommemorate the 850th Anniversary ofShinran Shōnin’s Birth and the 800th
Anniversary of the Establishment of Jōdo
Shinshū, both of which will be combined as
one celebration to be held in 2023. In
preparation for this event, which will be amajor focal point for our denomination’sfuture, we have renewed our commitment
to contribute to society as a Buddhist
sangha and propagate the teaching for ourfuture generations, while appreciating theimportance of dialogue in building deepand lasting relationships with others.
In closing, I wish to ask for yourcontinued support and cooperation.
Thank you.

News on theBetsuin WirelessSave the date: Feb. 25 for ourannual meeting and shinnenkai
You won’t want to miss our annual
New Year Party Feb. 25, following ashort general membership meetingand Sunday service starting at 10 am.
There’s food, fun, games, prizes
and entertainment in store for you.
Watch for the announcement!

January movie Dog in a Sidecar
unforgettable coming-of-age story

Mochitsuki 2017: Members and friends
gathered early at the temple on Dec. 24 topound mochi the traditional way—withkine and usu—for their New Year dishes anddecorations. Photo by Kevin Kawawata

Time to plan for your 2018anniversary memorial services
In Buddhist tradition, memorialservices are held during certain
anniversary years to provide
families an opportunity to gather
and remember loved ones who
have passed away. We give thanks
to our deceased loved ones for thelife they shared with us. At thesame time, as Jodo Shinshu
followers, we express gratitude toAmida Buddha for ensuring ourbirth in the Pure Land.
In 2018 we observe special
memorial services for loved ones
whose deaths occurred in theyears shown below. Please call
531-9088 for an appropriate
time to schedule a memorialservice at the temple, your homeor other location.
2017 1st anniversary
2016 3rd year memorial2012 7th year memorial
2006 13th year memorial
2002 17th year memorial
1994 25th year memorial
1986 33rd year memorial
1969 50th year memorial

A 30-year-old real estate agent
Kaoru Kondo (Mimura) receives awedding invitation from her younger
brother, triggering her to recall theexciting summer vacation she hadwith Yoko (Yuko Takeuchi) 20 years
ago. At the beginning of her 4th grade
summer vacation, her mother walks
out on her good-for-nothing father(Arata Furuta). A few days later ananny arrives, but is really her father’slover. Young Kaoru (Hana Matsumoto)is shocked by Yoko, compared to herreal mother. Yoko smokes and has abad temper, but is frank, free-spiritedand shows a delicate kindness. ForKaoru, who seems to be a serious
eldest daughter, life with Yoko isfascinating drama. For Kaoru, Yoko is
not a substitute mother but a guideto a bigger world and a stronger
sense of self.
Among many awards include 81stKinema Junpo Best Ten Japan movie
No. 6, Asahi Best Ten Film Festival Japan
movie No. 6, Yokohama Film Festival
No. 7, Movie Art Best Ten No. 8 and Best
Actress Award (Yuko Takeuchi), 31st
Fumiko Yamaji Film Awards Best ActressAward, 20th Nikkan Sports Film Awards· Yujiro Ishihara Award for Best Actress,
Osaka Movie Press Club 2007 BestMovie Award Japan and Best ActressAward, 81st Kinema Junpo Best TenBest Actress Award and 17th Japan FilmCritics Award Best Actress Award.
Showtime: 6:30 pm, Tues., Jan. 23,
94 min. This 2007 film was directed by
Kichitaro Negishi. Color, Japaneseaudio, English subtitles. Freeadmission. Light refreshments, orbring to share!

サイドカーに犬 (サイドカーにいぬ)

不動産会社の営業として働く30歳の薫は、久々に再会した弟から結婚披露宴の招待状を受け取る。それをきっかけに、薫は20年前にヨーコさんと過ごした刺激的な夏休みを回想する。小学4年生の夏休
みの初め、父（古田新太）と喧嘩の絶えなかった母が家を出た。その数日後に薫（松本花奈）の家に突然やって来たヨーコさん（竹内結子）は、薫の父の愛人という。ヨーコさんは、何事にも神経質な薫の母親とは対照的な大らかな人だった。煙草を吸い、さっぱりとした性格で気が強く、自由な精神にあふれた女性だが繊細な優しさも併せ持っていた。長女らしい生真面目さを持つ薫には、ヨーコさんとの生活は驚きの連続だった。だが、ヨーコさんは薫を子ども扱いすることなく、薫の長所を鋭く見抜く。そんなヨーコさんに、甘え下手だった薫も知らず知らず影響され、ありのままの自分を解放させる楽しさを味わっていく。
賞歴： 第81回キネマ旬報ベスト・テン日本映画第6位、朝日ベストテン映画祭日本映画、第7位ヨコハマ映画祭、映画芸術ベストテン、主演女優賞（竹内結子）第8位、第31回山路ふみ子映画賞 女優賞、第20回日刊スポーツ映画大賞・石原裕次郎賞 最優秀主演女優賞、大阪映画記者クラブ2007年ベストムー
ビー賞 日本映画最優秀女優賞、第81回
キネマ旬報ベスト・テン 最優秀主演女優賞、第17回日本映画批評家大賞 最優秀主演女優賞。
監督：根岸 吉太郎、公開 : 2007年、カラー、言語 : 日本語、字幕 : 英語 、映時間 :94分、1月2３日(火)午後6:30時、入場無料。

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HIGASHI HONGANJI HAWAII DISTRICT2018 DOBO RETREAT PROGRAM

District Dharma Gathering“let us discover the joy of living”
We wish to invite you to attend the 2018 District Dharma Gathering of Higashi Honganji
Hawaii District. We will invite Rev. Akinori Imai as our guest speaker. The theme of the Gathering is “Let us Discover the Joy of Living” Please send the application form below to the Hawaii
District oﬃce or to the minister of your local temple.
Date:
Time:
Speaker:
Location:
Theme:
Fee:

Saturday, January 20, 2018
10:00 am — 3:00 pm
Rev. Akinori ImaiHigashi Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
1685 Alaneo Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: (808) 531-1231, Fax: (808) 531-1231“Let us Discover the Joy of Living”$10.00 (payable to Higashi Honganji Hawaii District)

Rev. Akinori Imai Biography
1944 Born in Tokyo, Japan.
1966 Graduated with BA in Buddhist Studies, Otani University, Kyoto,
Japan.
1967 Became Berkeley Higashi Honganji resident minister.
1980 Graduated from California State University, Hayward, MS in
Clinical Counseling.
1982 Founded East West Counseling Center with Rev. Dr. Ryo Imamura.
1983 Coordinated Jodo Sanbukyo Translation Project Higashi Honganji,Kyoto, Japan.
1995-2010 Was Bishop of North America and Hawaii Districts.

If you have any questions, please contact your local temple or the district oﬃce at:
Higashi Honganji Hawaii District Oﬃce
1685 Alaneo Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: (808) 531-1231, Fax: (808) 531-1231, Email: adminaloha@higashihonganji.org
Detach HereI would like to participate in the 2018 District Dharma Gathering.
Name4Temple

Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii
1685 Alaneo StreetHonolulu, Hawaii 96817

NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Honolulu, HI
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Address Service Requested

In this issue of WA...
t New Year Messages
Rinban Kenjun Kawawata p. 1
District Overseas Abbot Choyu Otani p. 2
Chief Administrator Hiroshi Tajima p. 2t/FXTPOUIF#FUTVJO8JSFMFTTp. 3t.PDIJUTVLJp. 3t"OOJWFSTBSZNFNPSJBMTFSWJDFTp. 3t+BOVBSZNPWJFDog in a Sidecar p. 3t%JTUSJDU%IBSNB(BUIFSJOHp. 4t Acknowledgments p. 5t January shōtsuki service p. 5tTemple activities calendar p. 6

Temple Activities Calendar
JANUARY
1/1
1/7
1/7

Mon 10 am New Year’s Day service - Shūshō-eJoin us after service for ozōni soup
Sun 10 am Shōtsuki service
Sun 12pm The Larger Sutra study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in Japanese日本語
語でを こう1/8
Mon 10 am Betsuin study class
1/9Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practice
1/11 Thu 7 pm The Larger Sutra study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
Fukuhara Conference Room
1/14 Sun 10 am New Year family service/Sunday school
1/15 Mon 10 am Betsuin study class
1/16 Tue 7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Kaneohe
1/20 Sat 10 am Joint Dharma Gathering at Otani Center
1/21 Sun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday school
1/21 Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meeting
1/23 Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practice
1/23 Tue 6:30 pm Movie night: Dog in a Sidecar (2007)
サイドカーに

1/28

64

Fukuhara Conference RoomSun 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service
Sunday service/Sunday school

2/4
2/4

FEBRUARY

Sun 10 am Shōtsuki service/Sunday school
Sun 12pm The Larger Sutra study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in Japanese
語で日本語を こう

2/27
2/27

Mon 10 am Betsuin study classThu 7 pm The Larger Sutra study class
led by Rinban Kawawata in English
Fukuhara Conference RoomSat 12 pm Oahu MAP class
Sun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday schoolTue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceSun 10 am Nirvana Day service
Sun 12 pm Betsuin board meetingMon 10 am Betsuin study classTue 7 pm O-kō: Dharma discussion at Betsuin
Sun 10 am Sunday service/Sunday school
Sun 11 am General membership meeting
Shinnenkai/New Year PartyOtani Center
Tue 3 pm Ukulele class/band practiceTue 6:30 pm Movie night: Pecoross’ Mother & Her Days

2/28

Wed 10 am Shinran Shōnin memorial service

2/5
2/8
2/10
2/11
2/13
2/18
2/18
2/19
2/20
2/25
2/25

コスの母に会いにく (2013)

Everyone is welcome to join the morning chanting held at 7 am daily (except on Sundays & the 28th day of the month) in the Betsuin main hall.

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