2013 Keirokai Celebration - Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin

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GOJI FEBRUARY 2013
Hongwanji
Radio Programs
FEBRUARY 2013
KZOO 1210 AM
Japanese Language
Saturday at 7:30 AM
02
09
16
23
HONPA HONGWANJI HAWAI’I BETSUIN
1727 PALI HIGHWAY
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96813
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Adult English Services
9:30 Combined Service
3 Scout Sunday
Rev. Bert Sumikawa
10am Services
10 Rev. Richard Tennes
17 Rev. Tatsuo Muneto
24 Rev. Richard Tennes
Dharma School
Service 9am
03 9:30 am Scout Sunday
Rev. Bert Sumikawa
10 Rev. Tomo Hojo
17 Rev. Richard Tennes
24 Dharma School Teacher
Nursing Home
Services and Visits
07 Hale Nani
Rev. Richard Tennes
Hale Ho Aloha
Rev. Bert Sumikawa
08 Hale Pulama Mau
Rev. Bert Sumikawa
14 Maluhia
Rev. Tatsuo Muneto
Liliha
Rev. Bert Sumikawa
22 Leahi
Rev. Richard Tennes
28 Nuuanu Hale
Rev. Tomo Hojo
Service and Luncheon to Honor Sangha
Members 77 years and up
PAID
Honolulu,Hawai’i
Permit No. 166
1727 Pali Highway
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
GOJI
Rev. Tomo Hojo
Rev. Tatsuo Muneto
Rev. Thomas Okano
Rev. Kojun Hashimoto
Betsuin Services
2013 Keirokai Celebration
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
Purple Sweet Potato continued from page 8
4. Rice cannot match the nutritional values of potato. Because rice converts to
sugar in the body, the Philippines registers as a top producer of diabetics in the
world. The poor tends to load up on rice and less on the dish which are more
expensive. That makes them vulnerable to diabetes, an ailment known in developed countries as a rich man’s disease.
5. The nutritional values of a 3 oz. baked sweet potato are: calories 90, fat 0 g,
saturated fat 0 g, cholesterol 0 mg, carbohydrate 21 g, protein 2 g, dietary fiber
3 g, sodium 36 mg 6. Too much rice consumption can make you sick, but sweet
potato (kamote) can bring you to health and keep away some health problems.
These have been medically proven.
Sweet Potato (kamote) lowers hypertension, bad cholesterol and even blood
sugar when eaten as as a substitute to rice! The purple sweet potato (kamote) is
particularly effective for lowering hypertension.
The Korean medical documentary credits the sweet potato (kamote) as high
fiber and is one of the best foods that one can eat that may prevent cancer!
Note: Please consult with your physician regarding any information in this
article to be sure it is appropriate for you and your health concerns.
The great practice is to say the Name of the
Tathagata of unhindered light. This practice, comprehensively encompassing all practices, is perfect
and most rapid in bringing them to fullness. For this
reason, it is called “great practice.” Saying the Name
then breaks through all the ignorance of sentient beings and readily brings all their aspirations to fulfillment. Saying the Name is in itself mindfulness;
mindfulness is nembutsu; nembutsu is Namo-amidabutsu.
- Shinran Shonin
Vol. 68, No. 2
FEBRUARY 2013
NEWSLETTER
of the
Honpa Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin
hibetsuin@hawaii.rr.com
Hongwanji Mission
of Hawaii
Five Year Theme:
“Path of Entrusting”
2013 Slogan:
“Live the Teachings”
BETSUIN
The Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
is planning a service and luncheon
on Sunday, March 3 to recognize
those individuals in our sangha who
will achieve their seventy-seventh
birthday in 2013 (keirosha). Again
this year the event will honor not
only those who will be seventy-seven
in 2013 but also everyone that has
already passed this milestone in life.
Historically, the
first Sunday in
March is remembered as
Hongwanji Day,
when we honor
the memory of
Reverend Soryu
Rev. Soryu Kagahi
Kagahi, the first
ordained minister serving the needs
of our island Buddhists over one
hundred years ago. We have chosen
this date to reinforce and reflect upon
things in life both old and new and
their interdependent nature.
In recent years it has become increasingly difficult to find keirosha
who were willing to participate in the
festivities. We have decided that
rather than recognize just a handful of
individuals, we would celebrate everyone who is seventy-seven or older as
a group.
In conjunction with honoring the
keirosha, the Betsuin would also like
to take this opportunity to recognize
those who have become members of
the sangha in 2012. We are most eager to welcome our new members to
join us in the fellowship experienced
at this event.
So, new members and the young
and old (oops, I mean mature) alike,
get out your Sunday best and plan to
attend this celebration of longevity and
new beginnings.
Ticket prices are $9.00 adults, $6.00
children and $6.50 for seniors (77
years and older). The price for seniors is more than a 25% discount off
of the regular adult ticket price!
Tickets will be available from affiliate
organizations and the temple office.
Call 536-7044 for more information.
MINISTERS
Chief Minister:
Rev. Tatsuo Muneto
Ministerial Staff
Rev. Richard Tennes
Rev. Tomo Hojo
Rev. Bert Sumikawa
Reminder: Japanese Service Time Change
Effective February 6, 2013, the starting time for Sunday Japanese Service was change from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM. The time was made in consideration of the safety of those who attend the service and to improve
working conditions for the Sunday Toban minister.
As a result of this change, the Early Morning English Service has been
changed from 7:00 AM to 7:30 AM. This change took place effective
Sunday, February 10, 2013.
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GOJI FEBRUARY 2013
Rimban’s Column:
Fly in a “V” Formation!
Have you
never wondered why
migrating
geese fly in a
“V” formation?
When they
travel a long
distance, they
fly in a “V” formation. They choose
a leader, and they follow him,
automatically fin a “V” formation to
get to their destination, Along the
way, unexpected things happen,
but the geese instinctively find ways
to solve the problem together while
maintaining the same pattern.
GOJI
The GOJI is a monthly publication of the
Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, Tel.
(808) 536-7044.. There is no newsletter
published for the month of August.
DEADLINE:
Articles must be submitted no later than
the 10th of the month prior to publication. Mail (1727 Pali Hwy, Honolulu,
HI, 96813), fax (536-0919), or e-mail
(hibetsuin@hawaii.rr.com) all items to
the GOJI. Please include your name
and contact information. Original images
should be labeled on the reverse side with
caption and return information.
GOJI STAFF:
Editorial: Jo desMarets; Dianne Ida, Randy
Kawamoto, Ralston Nagata, Mary Tanouye;
Rev. Tomo Hojo, Japanese section editor,
Production: Ron Suzuki, Stacy Bradshaw,
Alice Omura, Setsu Takashige, Alice Tando,
Kimiyo Miyose
Circulation: Stacy Bradshaw
Contributing reporters from Hongwanji
Mission School, Buddhist Women’s
Association, Dharma School & Parents,
Project Dana, Wednesday Gang and Gals,
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Pacific Buddhist
Academy, and the Kyodan
The opinions expressed by individual contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Honpa Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin.
Rev Tatsuo Muneto
Scientists’ discovery of why the geese
fly that way has some relevance in
our interpersonal relationships at
home and in organizations, including
churches and temples. What are the
lessons that we can learn from the
geese team work?
One internet video that is entitled
Geese Team Work reveals “interesting” observations regarding the way
the migrating geese fly.
1. By flying in a “V” formation, the
whole flock increases their flight efficiency by 71 per cent. This means
that by working together as a team
while moving toward a shared direction we all reach our destination
quicker and with greater efficiency.
2. If a goose leaves the formation for
some reason and tries to fly alone,
he immediately feels the impact of
the force of the wind and experiences
difficulties of flying alone. He then
quickly returns to the formation to take
advantage of the flock’s communal
power. By staying in line with those
who we are living with, it will be easier
to reach common goals.
February 2013 Calendar of Classes and Programs
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
9 am Project Dana
Dance
24
26
26
28
28
30
Tazuko Yamashita
Harold Tadao Kodama
Harold Kazunaga
Kame Ikemura
Himeo Miyagawa
Hiroshi Okuno
2012 Memorial Service Schedule
2013 is the memorial year for those who passed away in:
2001 – 13 year
1997 – 17 year
1989 – 25 year
1981 – 33 year
1964 – 50 year
1914 – 100 year
Saturday
2
9-11 am Judo
10 am Hawaiiana
1 pm Taichi
continued on page 3
The Hawai’i Betsuin extends its deepest sympathies to
the families of the following members who passed away
recently. May the family members find solace and comfort
in the Nembutsu. Namo Amida Butsu
2012 – 1 year
2011 – 3 year
2007 – 7 year
The Goji provides this monthly Events Calendar to keep
everyone informed about cultural activities at our temple.
Please help us by submitting information by email to
hibetsuin@hawaii.rr.com,
or by calling the Betsuin office at 536-7044.
3. When the leader goose gets tired
of flying, he goes to the end of the “V”
formation, while another goose takes
December 2012
Tadayoshi Wakida
Motomi Nishimoto
Lynn Tamiko Muneoka
Gary Tadao Okita
Ellen Imaino Young
Patsy Tomie Shimizu
Alice Hoshi Yamagata
Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Events Calendar
By helping others toward the same
ends, the accomplishments are
greater.
In Memoriam
06
08
14
14
14
18
24
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GOJI FEBRUARY 2013
3
Scout Sunday
8:00 – Rev. Hojo
9:30 – Rev. Sumikawa
1:00 – Rev. Muneto
4
9 am – 1:30 pm
Rhythm & Life
5
9 am – 1:30 pm
Rhythm & Life
10
7:30 – Rev. Sumikawa
8:00 – Rev. Muneto
9:00 – Rev. Hojo
10:00 – Rev. Tennes
1:00 – Rev. Toshima
11
9 am – 1:30 pm
Rhythm & Life
17
8:00 – Rev. Umitani
9:00 – Rev. Tennes
10:00 – Rev. Muneto
1:00 – Rev. Hojo
18
Presidents’ Day
(Holiday)
19
9 am – 1:30 pm
Rhythm & Life
9 am – 1:30 pm
Rhythm & Life
6-8 pm Judo
24
8:00 – Rev. Okano
9:00 – D/S Teacher TBA
10:00 – Rev. Tennes
1:00 – Rev. Muneto
25
9 am – 1:30 pm
Rhythm & Life
6-8 pm Judo
12
9 am – 1:30 pm
Rhythm & Life
9:30 am Shodo Class
6-8 pm Judo
26
9 am – 1:30 pm
Rhythm & Life
9:30 am Shodo Class
6-8 pm Judo
6
9 am Wednesday
Grp
9 am Japanese Language
1 pm FlowerArrangement
7 pm Bon Dancercise
13
9 am Wednesday
Grp
9 am Japanese Language
1 pm FlowerArrangement
7 pm Bon Dancercise
20
9 am Wednesday
Grp
9 am Japanese Language
1 pm FlowerArrangement
7 pm Bon Dancercise
27
9 am Wednesday
Grp
9 am Japanese Language
1 pm FlowerArrangement
7 pm Bon Dancercise
7
8
9 am Project Dana
Dance
9
9-11 am Judo
6-8 pm Judo
9 am Sumie Class
1 pm Taichi
14
15
9 am Project Dana
Dance
16
9-11 am Judo
6-8 pm Judo
9 am Sumie Class
9 am Flower Arrangement
11 am Sahm Bo Dahn
5:30 pm Choir Practice
7 pm Ballroom Dancing
9 am Flower Arrangement
11 am Sahm Bo Dahn
5:30 pm Choir Practice
7 pm Ballroom Dancing
21
22
9 am Project Dana
Dance
6-8 pm Judo
9 am Sumie Class
9 am Flower Arrangement
11 am Sahm Bo Dahn
5:30 pm Choir Practice
7 pm Ballroom Dancing
28
9 am Flower Arrangement
11 am Sahm Bo Dahn
5:30 pm Choir Practice
6-8 pm Judo
7 pm Ballroom Dancing
10 am Hawaiiana
1 pm Taichi
23
9-11 am Judo
1 pm Taichi
Page 10
Temple News and Activities
BOY SCOUT TROOP 49
Scouts Make Kadomatsu for Sangha
Rimban’s Column:
Elaine Nakamoto
Douglas Yanagihara
Fly in a “V” Formation! continued from page 2
the lead. To share the leadership,
there must be mutual respect for each
other all the time.
4. When a goose gets sick, other
geese leave the formation, too, and
they fly with him to protect him. They
remain with him until he either dies of
is able to fly again. Let’s stay beside
each other through all times no matter
what the challenges are nor how difficult.
5. The geese flying in the “V” formation quack to encourage the ones in
front and somehow manage to keep
the same speed. When there is
encouragement, instead of complaint,
greater progress is achieved.
.
These scientific discoveries are amazing to us because, as human beings,
we know what can and should be
done, but oftentimes we fall short. We
human beings are equipped with
TOP ROW: Justen Nakamoto, Jared Tomori, Zachary Agcaoili, Blaise “Kapena” Lum, Bradley Wong, Christopher
Nakagawa, Kyle Kadomoto, Reid Akana, Justin Kam, Ryan Ando. BOTTOM ROW: Dylan Kwock, Aaron Shimoda,
Grayson Morishige, Ethan Lau, Korey Miyakawa, Blaine Ideoka, Cameron Wong
On Saturday, December 29, 2012,
Troop 49 Scouts, leaders, and families prepared to welcome in the new
year by making the popular Japanese
traditional arrangement, kadomatsu.
On Friday evening, Assistant Scoutmasters cut and gathered bamboo
from the Nuuanu area. Albert Wong,
Assistant Scoutmaster, also obtained
pine or “matsu” and artificial cherry
blossoms. During the Troop’s summer California Adventure trip, he purchased rope used to tie the bamboo
together.
Adults cut the bamboo stalks into
three different lengths with electric
saws. The tops were cut at an angle.
The Scouts arranged three bamboo
stalks and bound them together with
tape. A hole was drilled into the
bamboo to insert the rope. The rope
was wrapped around the bamboo,
then the bamboo was decorated with
pine and cherry blossoms. About
175 kadomatsu were made and each
Troop family was able to take one
home. A special, 5-foot tall kadomatsu was made for the Temple.
On Sunday, December 30, 2012,
kadomatsu were distributed to church
members.
Kadomatsu literally means “gate
pine.” This decoration was tradi-
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GOJI FEBRUARY 2013
GOJI FEBRUARY 2013
tionally placed in front of homes to
welcome ancestral spirits or “kami” of
the harvest. Placing the kadomatsu
at the door is thought to bring endurance, prosperity, and vitality in the
coming year. The material used to
make the kadomatsu has symbolic
meaning. The pine or “matsu” means
evergreen and represents longevity.
The bamboo symbolizes strength and
growth, and the plum blossom represents strength through adversity and
eventual prosperity. The kadomatsu
is arranged with three bamboo stalks
set at different lengths representing
heaven (highest), humanity (middle),
and earth (lowest).
intellect and love and yet we fail to
think and conduct over selves according to the working of our intellect
and love. Perhaps, these mental and
emotional capabilities have their own
limitations. If it were not so, we would
suffer no mental agonies as individuals and feel no hatred and strife in our
interpersonal relationships.
Buddhism sheds light on this eternal human predicament. Instead of
focusing on intellect and love alone,
Buddhism promotes Wisdom (Prajna)
and Compassion (Karuna) as the two
pillars of living in harmony and peace
within the wondrous interdependent
world of all beings. Seeing the suffering and sorrow of all beings caused by
intrinsic blind desire, Amida Buddha
went through long periods of meditation in order to liberate all living beings
writhing in the swamp of pain and
completed the Vow to save all. The
resulting gift of such compassionate
From the Internet...
Purple Sweet
The purple sweet potato is the
latest food item presented to the
general public as a potential super
food.
The potato’s coloring contained
the chemical anthocyanin, which
is known to lower the risk of cancer and could even possibly slow down
certain types of the disease. The color is the important part because the
purple colour is responsible for the amount of anthocyanin in the potato.
Scientists have already used two strands of anthocyanin to treat colon
cancer and found that the pigment slowed down the growth of cancerous
cells.
Anthocyanin, which produces red, blue or purple colors in different types
of food, can also be found in blueberries, red grapes and red cabbage,
continued on page 7
vow is the Nembutsu, the calling of
unconditional compassion.
The Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
is a Sangha, which consists of people
who, upon reflecting on their limited
self, are inspired to receive Amida’s
wisdom and compassion. Amida’s
wisdom enables us to see all things,
including the self, as they are. Amida’s compassion enable us to love
and respect others as friends of the
Dharma. As a result of the working of
the mind and heart, we are able to live
in harmony, like the geese flying in “V”
formulation in order to be born in Buddha’s land of peace (Pure Land).
As “Namo Amida Butsu” is heard
and acknowledged as the cause
of deliverance, and as the Name is
recited with entrusting here (shinjin),
the members of the temple and the
affiliated organizations become friends
of the Dharma. We share the sense
of direction of life and are united to
help one another to appreciate this
precious life in the spirit of team work
as sharing the Shin teaching.
In the beginning of 2013, may the
members of the Betsuin, its affiliated
organizations, and the ministers’
group resolve to study and discuss
Shin teachings more earnestly and
with greater fervor! May we strive to
work for the betterment of the organizations infused with the spirit of
encouragement, sharing, and teamwork which are all derived from Amida
and received with more listening and
focused discussion of the teachings.
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GOJI FEBRUARY 2013
GOJI FEBRUARY 2013
Temple News and Activities
Temple News and Activities
Page 4
BOY SCOUT TROOP 49
Elaine Nakamoto
Douglas Yanagihara
Hawaii Heritage Hike
On Sunday, November 4, 2012, Troop 49 Boy Scouts Evan
Ebesu, Justin Kunimune, Blaise Kapena Lum, Jared Tomori,
Trenton Omuro, Tyler Onishi, Douglas Yanagihara, 27 Pack 49
Cub Scouts, and parents went on the three mile Aloha Council
Hawaii Heritage hike. Starting at the Honpa Hongwanji Temple,
the Scouts walked to historic buildings such as Honolulu Hale,
Mission House, Kawaiahao Church, Iolani Palace and Barracks,
State Capitol, and Washington Place. Many of these historic
buildings are unique to Honolulu and have been restored.
The day was hot, so the Scouts kept a fast pace. Justin Kunimune and Douglas Yanagihara read interesting historic facts
and information of each site to the Cub Scouts. The hike
looped back to the Temple where the boys were treated to some
refreshments. The participating Cub Scouts earned the Aloha
Council Hawaii Heritage Patch with an attachment patch for
Honolulu. There is also a Hilo Heritage hike with attachment
patch which some of the Troop 49 Boy Scout earned during their
Hilo trip in 2009.
40th Annual Honolulu Marathon
The Scouts were
supervised by adult
Troop leaders, Mrs.
Chris Omuro and Mr.
Albert Wong.
Kapena Lum holding sign.
At an unreasonably early time of
3:30 am on Sunday, December 9.
2012, Troop 49 Boy Scouts met at
the Territorial Building on King Street,
near the King Kamehameha Statue
to man the First Aid Station #1 for the
40th annual Honolulu Marathon. The
volunteers were asked to arrive extra
early to be able to park near the site
before the police close off the roads.
This year, there were
about 10,000 more
runners registered
than in 2011, so the
Scouts were warned that they may
have to stay longer. Last year’s numbers were down because there were
fewer participants from Japan due to
the tragic earthquake and tsunami.
In 2012, there was a larger group of
elite runners because of the cancellation of the New York City Marathon
in October due to the devastation of
Hurricane Sandy.
The Scouts distributed Vaseline on
wooden tongue depressor sticks for
runners to use to prevent chafing.
There is an edible energy booster
product that looks like and has the
same consistency as Vaseline, so
the boys had to yell out to the Japanese runners not to eat the Vaseline.
Signs with “do not eat” in Japanese
characters were held to inform the
Japanese runners.
The fun part of the marathon is seeing runners dressed in costumes such
as Darth Vader, Hello Kitty, wedding
dresses, kimono, and Pikachu. There
was even a man carrying a huge log.
Running the race is difficult enough,
but running the entire distance in
costume must be very uncomfortable.
The Scouts were able to close up at
around 9:30 am, after the last runners
passed their station. The first First
Aid Station, which is about the third
mile into the race, sees less injuries
than those further out.
Happy New Year! The BWA’s Cry For Help
Fujiko Motobu, President
The BWA or Buddhist Women’s Association seems to be the backbone
of our Betsuin because the women
are endlessly working for the betterment of the Betsuin and its members.
With a history of over a hundred
years in existence, originally known
by its Japanese title, Fujinkai, which
later expanded into English speaking
women’s group known as Upasika
Society, and then due to declining
membership in both organizations,
they united and became known
as BWA. The legacies left by our
ancestors are worthy and fulfilling
and we have much to be thankful for.
Now, our time has come to invite the
younger members to join the group
and continue the tradition of doing
worthy things for the members and
the temple. If all the grandmothers
can bring in their daughters and they
in turn bring in their daughters, we
can continue perpetuating the organization for the good of all involved. Today’s older generation must be willing
to step back and allow the younger
ones to take over.
Even in this century, there are yet
many hurdles to overcome. BWA is
restricted by many “old idea” rules,
and these are what the younger
members can change. The younger
women should include their husbands
into the organization, perhaps as
auxiliary members. Many of the
octogenarians are willing to give up
their involvement and take a side
step to let the younger ones take over
the functions at the temple. Family
centered activities should take hold
in this era because unlike the time
when the oldies lived their carefree
and unsupervised youthful days,
there are many dangerous things and
people lurking to entice the present
day innocent ones, so the parents
must be involved.
If the young women have any ideas
about expanding the BWA organization, please help us. We need all the
younger women to join us because
we are more than willing to hand
over leadership to you and we can
Buddhist Women’s Association News
Fujiko Motobu, President
The BWA women are anticipating a very busy year, 2013, and the very first
thing for all the women to do is to sign up for various committee work. The BWA
organization survives upon the unselfish giving of time and energy from all the
women. There are 4 general membership meetings and the very first one was
held on January 20th. From February we shall be busy preparing for the annual
Taste of Hongwanji Bazaar, to be held on Sunday, March 10th.
All women are encouraged to join the BWA organization and we all appreciate
the unselfish volunteer work that you can give us.
disappear with a snap of your fingers.
Rennyo Shonin said, “if you have
anything to say to me or about me,
you can talk behind my back, and
when I hear about it I shall be able to
remedy it.” So, we will follow Rennyo
Shonin’s advice. Please talk about
how we can get younger women to
join us. What are we doing wrong?
What can we do? Why don’t you
want to join us?
* Note: this article was submitted for
the January 2013 Goji but was inadvertantly left out. Our apologies to the
BWA for this oversight.
Page 8
Temple News and Activities
Temple News and Activities
More from BOY SCOUT TROOP 49
Scouts Man Water Station on
Half Marathon Turkey Trot
More from BOY SCOUT TROOP 49
Ryan Ando’s Eagle Scout Project
On Sunday, December 16, 2012, 17
year old Troop 49 Boy Scout Ryan
Ando lead a team of about 72 Troop
leaders, parents, Scouts, family members, Aikido members, and school
friends to complete his Eagle Project.
The Eagle Project was held at the
Honolulu Ki Society Seishinkan Dojo
at the Myohoji Temple on Nuuanu
Avenue. Ryan has been an Aikido
member for 12 years so he wanted to
give back to his dojo. On Saturday,
December 15th, a group of 8 boys
helped prepare the area for the following day. The majority of the work
was done on Sunday. The interior of
the dojo was painted. Name plaques
were removed and updated. The
area around the Temple was cleaned;
building railings were wiped down,
leaves were swept and raked. Dojo
stairs and walkways were power
washed. After the dojo paint dried,
volunteers moved 91 tatami mats,
which were cleaned on the first prep
day, back to the dojo. Over 50 fold-
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GOJI FEBRUARY 2013
GOJI FEBRUARY 2013
Left to right: Douglas Yanagihara, Ryan Ando, Chris Omuro, Louis Lee,
Kapena Lum, Dustin Iwasaki
ing mats were cleaned and brought
back to the storage area near the
dojo. The project went well with just
some organizational issues with not
having enough jobs to keep everyone
tasked.
Purple Sweet Potato continued from page 7
1. Sweet potato is more filling and suppresses hunger pangs longer. It is also
cheaper than rice.
2. Unlike rice, it is easy to grow. It grows in backyards with or without fertilizers.
Local government executives can provide their poor communities with idle government land for planting kamote which the entire community can share.
3. Unlike rice which needs to be eaten with a dish, Sweet Potato tastes good
and can be eaten by itself. Thus, substituting rice with sweet potato saves
money for other needs.
continued on page 12
Ryan is a senior at Roosevelt High
School where he is a color guard in
the Roosevelt Marching Band. Ryan
has been in Scouting for 11 years.
He held several leadership positions
in the Troop including Assistant Patrol
Leader, Patrol Leader, Quartermaster,
Librarian, Den Chief, and Senior Patrol Leader. Ryan feels that he is still
developing his leadership skills. In
the leadership role, he is still learning
to delegate rather than to actually do
the work.
Ryan would like to thank everyone
who helped him in his 17 years of life
since they helped make him what he
is today. He is looking forward to going to college and majoring in either
architecture or engineering. Congratulations, Ryan, on a job well done!
Troop 49 Boy Scouts Ryan Ando, Dustin Iwasaki, Louis Lee, Blaise Kapena
Lum, Trenton Omuro, and Douglas Yanagihara spent early Thanksgiving morning manning a water station at the 37th Annual Turkey Trot on November 22,
2012. Venture Scouts Taylor Omuro and Maya Kanetake also volunteered.
This 10 mile half-marathon run awards prizes to runners coming closest to their
own predicted finish time. Participants are not allowed to wear watches, headphones, or pacing devices. The race started at Kapiolani Park Bandstand with
registration at 6:30 am. The Scouts manned the water station behind the Aloha
Gas Station on Kealaolu Avenue in Kahala. Although this station was about the
halfway point of the race course, the Scouts were in attendance from 6:30 am
until around 9:00 am. For the Turkey Trot, the runners are not as intense as
with the Honolulu Marathon. Most ran at a leisurely pace and calmly received
water from the Scouts. There weren’t too many cups to pick up off the road. On
that Thanksgiving day, the runners must have been thankful for these Scouts.
Hawaiian Host
Candies
BUDDHIST ALTARS & ACCESSORIES
(Butsudan & Butsugu)
Owen Lee Oshima
Pre-Need Counselor
1347 Nuuanu Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: 808 529-0373
Fax: 808 536 9588
Cellular: 808 741 6936
By Appointment Only
1202 Kona St, Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone: 973-0320; 592-0115
Fax: 592-0119
www.iidastore.com
Page 6
GOJI FEBRUARY 2013
Temple News and Activities
Message from the Betsuin President
Hawaii Betsuin Culltural Program Is Thriving
There are many cultural programs
at the Betsuin. Exercise classes,
Rhythm and Life, which originated
in Japan are held on Mondays and
Tuesdays. Sam Bo Dahn Exercise
whose origin is from Korea is held on
Thursdays beginning at noon, Project
Dana dancing on Friday mornings,
and Hula Dancing practices are held
twice a month on Saturday mornings.
Taichi, excellent for all, especially the
seniors who need to be in good balance would profit from such a class,
which meets on Saturday afternoons.
Taiko or drumming practices are held
on Sundays after the services in the
morning, beginning at 11 am until 1
pm. Shodo or calligraphy, Sumi E
brush painting, flower arrangement
of Ohara style as well as Saga
style are also taught by certified
instructors. These classes, very
suitable for the seniors are held
during the day time. Japanese language class is very popular and
held on Wednesday mornings.
Fujiko Motobu
old. These classes are fun and you
can make many friends. If you are
interested in any of the classes,
please call the office at 536-7044 and
be directed to the person(s) in charge
for more information regarding time
and cost.
There are also a few evening
classes held in the social hall.
Dancercise (bon dance), and
ballroom dancing are very
popular with the young and
cal Education Department. The
program includes stretches, line
dancing, mild aerobics, expressive
and social type exercises.
The overall goal is to stimulate the
potential capacities of the heart,
body, and mind. The program
tries to improve one’s physical
strength while enjoying the positive effects of music. Participants
are encouraged to learn the songs
(strengthen s the mind) and sing
the songs (strengthens the breathing process). Exercising with a
group also helps to release stress
by increasing your circle of friends,
and having fun while improving
one’s coordination through rhythm.
Classes at the Betsuin will be
held on Mondays and Tuesdays
in the Social Hall with three ses-
Greetings,
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I
would like to extend my appreciation
to all temple members and friends for
your continued support of the Honpa
Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin. 2013
brings many exciting opportunities for
us.
Strategic Plan 2013-2017
We have completed our 2012 – 2017
Strategic Plan for the Betsuin. Our
strategy is focused on three strategic
goals (listed in no particular order of
priority).
Support the Hongwanji
Mission of the Hawaii
Increase capacity to support the Mission
Rhythm And Life Exercise Program Designed
to Keep Seniors Active
Rhythm and Life is an exercise program developed in Hamamatsu City
in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It was
developed to help the growing number of seniors in Japan to continue an
active life through exercise. The program uses folk, children, and popular
Japanese songs to accompany the
exercise routines created by Professor Chiyoko Saito, a kinesiologist
with the Shizuoka University’s Physi-
Page 7
GOJI FEBRUARY 2013
sions each day: 9:00 am-10:30 am
(beginners), 10:30 am -12:00 noon
(intermediate), 12:00 noon -1:30 pm
(advanced). Instructor will be Mrs.
Michie Takemoto, a certified Rhythm
& Life instructor who taught at Moiliili
Community Center for over 10 years.
Starting date is February 7.
Interested parties may contact Carol
Yamamoto at 533-6919.
NOTE: Intermediate classes will be
consolidated to meet on Mondays,
10:30-12:00 noon. New Beginners’
class will begin Jan. 15 Tuesdays,
10:30 -12:00 noon.
Ensure the financial stability of the
Hawaii Betsuin
Alan Goto, Roy Miyamoto, and Dextar
Mar have graciously accepted the task
to follow up with scheduling and prioritizing their respective goals. We will
have our Strategic Plan available
for review at the temple’s office.
Community Involvement
We will continue to support community outreach programs, like the
Family Promise program.
The Family Promise program allows us to help homeless families
with a chance to start again. So
far, the experience has been very
rewarding and successful, with
program parents finding homes for
their families.
The number of families participating
in the Family Promise program has
been increasing, so our support
for the program has become ever
more important.
We will continue to support our
scouting programs in their effort
to encourage young leaders to
develop into responsible citizens
and to learn how to “give-back” to
the community.
These programs will help the
Betsuin to increase our exposure in
Purple Sweet Potato continued from page 3
however the specially grown purple sweet potato has a higher concentration of the chemical than any other species of potato. Dr Weiqun
Wang, who was also involved in testing the potato, has said that the
new purple sweet potato tasted sweeter than other potatoes but was
still perfectly edible. According to Wang, “It’s good not only for cancer
prevention but other benefits like antioxidants as well.”
SWEET POTATO (Kamote) far exceeds the nutrition and health values
of rice. Here are the benefits of substituting rice with kamote:
the community.
We feel that our
membership
should expand
outside the
normal affiliates
that we have
been accustomed with.
Jerry Tamamoto
Facility Improvements
In the first quarter of this year, we will
begin major facility improvements to
air conditioning throughout most of
the temple facility. The air conditioning project will be done in phases to
minimize interruption to the ongoing
operations of the temple.
We are also planning to install and
utilize a photovoltaic electric system.
This will help to offset some of the
temple’s ever increasing utility expenses.
These improvements have a price tag
of approximately $700,000.00. These
improvements are costly but necessary, and we will need to begin a campaign to fund these improvements.
Finally, the temple and its Board
of Directors are always seeking
dedicated volunteers to help with our
temple leadership. If you would like to
contribute your time and effort, please
let me know.
May 2013 bring happiness and
prosperity to all of us and may peace
become a reality for mankind.
In Gassho,
continued on page 8
Jerry Tamamoto, President