Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 GOJI · The Goji provides this monthly Events Calendar to keep everyone...

GOJI FEBRUARY 20132

NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDHonolulu,Hawai’iPer mit No. 166

HONPA HONGWANJI HAWAI’I BETSUIN1727 PALI HIGHWAYHONOLULU, HAWAII 96813

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

The great practice is to say the Name of the Tathagata of unhindered light. This practice, com-prehensively 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 be-ings and readily brings all their aspirations to ful-fillment. Saying the Name is in itself mindfulness; mindfulness is nembutsu; nembutsu is Namo-amida-butsu. - Shinran Shonin

1727 Pali HighwayHonolulu, Hawaii 96813

GOJIVol. 68, No. 2

FEBRUARY 2013

NEWSLETTERof the

Honpa HongwanjiHawaii Betsuin

[email protected] Mission

of HawaiiFive Year Theme:

“Path of Entrusting”2013 Slogan:

“Live the Teachings”

BETSUIN

MINISTERS

Chief Minister:Rev. Tatsuo Muneto

Ministerial StaffRev. Richard Tennes

Rev. Tomo HojoRev. Bert Sumikawa

HongwanjiRadio Programs

FEBRUARY 2013KZOO 1210 AM

Japanese LanguageSaturday at 7:30 AM

Betsuin ServicesAdult English Services 9:30 Combined Service

3 Scout SundayRev. Bert Sumikawa

10am Services

Dharma SchoolService 9am

Nursing Home

Services and Visits

02 Rev. Tomo Hojo09 Rev. Tatsuo Muneto16 Rev. Thomas Okano23 Rev. Kojun Hashimoto

Effective February 6, 2013, the starting time for Sunday Japanese Ser-vice was change from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM. The time was made in con-sideration 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.

Reminder: Japanese Service Time Change

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 re-membered as Hongwanji Day, when we honor the memory of Reverend Soryu 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 in-creasingly 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 every-one 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 ea-ger 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 se-niors 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.

2013 Keirokai Celebration

Rev. Soryu Kagahi

Service and Luncheon to Honor Sangha Members 77 years and up

10 Rev. Richard Tennes17 Rev. Tatsuo Muneto24 Rev. Richard Tennes

03 9:30 am Scout Sunday Rev. Bert Sumikawa10 Rev. Tomo Hojo17 Rev. Richard Tennes24 Dharma School Teacher

07 Hale Nani Rev. Richard Tennes Hale Ho Aloha Rev. Bert Sumikawa08 Hale Pulama Mau Rev. Bert Sumikawa14 Maluhia Rev. Tatsuo Muneto Liliha Rev. Bert Sumikawa22 Leahi Rev. Richard Tennes28 Nuuanu Hale Rev. Tomo Hojo

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 devel-oped 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.

Purple Sweet Potato continued from page 8

2012 Memorial Service Schedule2013 is the memorial year for those who passed away in:

2012 – 1 year 2001 – 13 year 1981 – 33 year2011 – 3 year 1997 – 17 year 1964 – 50 year2007 – 7 year 1989 – 25 year 1914 – 100 year

GOJI FEBRUARY 2013 Page 11

Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin Events Calendar 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 [email protected],

or by calling the Betsuin office at 536-7044.

GOJI �e GOJI is a monthly publication of the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, Tel. (808) 536-7044.. �ere is no newsletter published for the month of August.

DEADLINE:Articles must be submitted no later than the 10th of the month prior to publica-tion. Mail (1727 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI, 96813), fax (536-0919), or e-mail ([email protected]) 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 MiyoseCirculation: 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, Paci�c Buddhist

Academy, and the Kyodan�e opinions expressed by individual con-tributors are their own and do not neces-sarily re�ect those of the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin.

GOJI FEBRUARY 2013

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

In Memoriam December 2012

Rimban’s Column: Fly in a “V” Formation! Rev Tatsuo Muneto

continued on page 3

Have you never won-dered 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.

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 “interest-ing” observations regarding the way the migrating geese fly.

1. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock increases their flight ef-ficiency by 71 per cent. This means that by working together as a team while moving toward a shared direc-tion we all reach our destination quicker and with greater efficiency.

By helping others toward the same ends, the accomplishments are greater.

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.

3. When the leader goose gets tired of flying, he goes to the end of the “V” formation, while another goose takes

February 2013 Calendar of Classes and ProgramsSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

19 am Project Dana Dance

29-11 am Judo

10 am Hawaiiana

1 pm Taichi

3Scout Sunday8:00 – Rev. Hojo9:30 – Rev. Sumikawa1:00 – Rev. Muneto

49 am – 1:30 pm Rhythm & Life


6-8 pm Judo

69 am Wednesday Grp9 am Japanese Language1 pm FlowerArrangement7 pm Bon Dancercise

79 am Flower Arrangement11 am Sahm Bo Dahn5:30 pm Choir Practice6-8 pm Judo7 pm Ballroom Dancing


9 am Sumie Class

99-11 am Judo

1 pm Taichi

107:30 – Rev. Sumikawa8:00 – Rev. Muneto9:00 – Rev. Hojo10:00 – Rev. Tennes1:00 – Rev. Toshima


129 am – 1:30 pm Rhythm & Life9:30 am Shodo Class

6-8 pm Judo




9 am Sumie Class

169-11 am Judo

10 am Hawaiiana

1 pm Taichi

178:00 – Rev. Umitani9:00 – Rev. Tennes10:00 – Rev. Muneto1:00 – Rev. Hojo

18Presidents’ Day(Holiday)



6-8 pm Judo




9 am Sumie Class

239-11 am Judo

1 pm Taichi

248:00 – Rev. Okano9:00 – D/S Teacher TBA10:00 – Rev. Tennes1:00 – Rev. Muneto


269 am – 1:30 pm Rhythm & Life9:30 am Shodo Class

6-8 pm Judo



06 Tadayoshi Wakida08 Motomi Nishimoto14 Lynn Tamiko Muneoka14 Gary Tadao Okita14 Ellen Imaino Young18 Patsy Tomie Shimizu24 Alice Hoshi Yamagata

24 Tazuko Yamashita26 Harold Tadao Kodama26 Harold Kazunaga28 Kame Ikemura28 Himeo Miyagawa30 Hiroshi Okuno

GOJI FEBRUARY 2013 GOJI FEBRUARY 2013Page 10

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 fami-lies prepared to welcome in the new year by making the popular Japanese traditional arrangement, kadomatsu. On Friday evening, Assistant Scout-masters 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 sum-mer California Adventure trip, he pur-chased 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 kado-matsu 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-

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 endur-ance, 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 repre-sents 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).

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 dif-ficult.

5. The geese flying in the “V” forma-tion 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 amaz-ing 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

intellect and love and yet we fail to think and conduct over selves ac-cording 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 individu-als and feel no hatred and strife in our interpersonal relationships.

Buddhism sheds light on this eter-nal 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 suffer-ing and sorrow of all beings caused by intrinsic blind desire, Amida Buddha went through long periods of medita-tion 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

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. Am-ida’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 Bud-dha’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 or-ganizations infused with the spirit of encouragement, sharing, and team-work which are all derived from Amida and received with more listening and focused discussion of the teachings.

Rimban’s Column: Fly in a “V” Formation! continued from page 2

Scouts Make Kadomatsu for Sangha

Temple News and Activities

BOY SCOUT TROOP 49 Elaine Nakamoto Douglas Yanagihara

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,

Purple Sweet

continued on page 7

From the Internet...

GOJI FEBRUARY 2013 GOJI FEBRUARY 2013 Page 9

Temple News and ActivitiesBOY SCOUT TROOP 49 Elaine Nakamoto Douglas Yanagihara

The BWA or Buddhist Women’s As-sociation seems to be the backbone of our Betsuin because the women are endlessly working for the better-ment 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 organi-zation for the good of all involved. To-day’s older generation must be willing to step back and allow the younger ones to take over.

Happy New Year! �e BWA’s Cry For Help Fujiko Motobu, President

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 organiza-tion, 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

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 inad-vertantly left out. Our apologies to the BWA for this oversight.

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.


Buddhist Women’s Association News Fujiko Motobu, President

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.

40th Annual Honolulu Marathon

The Scouts were supervised by adult Troop leaders, Mrs. Chris Omuro and Mr. Albert Wong.

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 num-bers 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 cancel-lation 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 Japa-nese 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 see-ing 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.

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 Kuni-mune 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.

Hawaii Heritage Hike

Kapena Lum holding sign.

BUDDHIST ALTARS & ACCESSORIES(Butsudan & Butsugu)

By Appointment Only1202 Kona St, Honolulu, HI 96814

Phone: 973-0320; 592-0115

www.iidastore.com

GOJI FEBRUARY 2013

Owen Lee OshimaPre-Need Counselor

1347 Nuuanu AvenueHonolulu, Hawaii 96817Phone: 808 529-0373Fax: 808 536 9588

Cellular: 808 741 6936

Fax: 592-0119

Hawaiian HostCandies

GOJI FEBRUARY 2013Page 8

Troop 49 Boy Scouts Ryan Ando, Dustin Iwasaki, Louis Lee, Blaise Kapena Lum, Trenton Omuro, and Douglas Yanagihara spent early Thanksgiving morn-ing 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, head-phones, 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.


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 mem-bers, 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 fol-lowing 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-

More from BOY SCOUT TROOP 49 Ryan Ando’s Eagle Scout Project

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.

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 Pa-trol 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 go-ing to college and majoring in either architecture or engineering. Congrat-ulations, Ryan, on a job well done!

More from BOY SCOUT TROOP 49 Scouts Man Water Station on Half Marathon Turkey Trot


Left to right: Douglas Yanagihara, Ryan Ando, Chris Omuro, Louis Lee, Kapena Lum, Dustin Iwasaki

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 gov-ernment 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

GOJI FEBRUARY 2013 GOJI FEBRUARY 2013 Page 7

Message from the Betsuin President

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 2013-2017We 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 Mis-sion

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 priori-tizing their respective goals. We will

have our Strategic Plan available for review at the temple’s office.

Community InvolvementWe will continue to support com-munity outreach programs, like the Family Promise program.

The Family Promise program al-lows 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

the community. We feel that our membership should expand outside the normal affiliates that we have been accus-tomed with.

Facility ImprovementsIn the first quarter of this year, we will begin major facility improvements to air conditioning throughout most of the temple facility. The air condition-ing 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 ex-penses.

These improvements have a price tag of approximately $700,000.00. These improvements are costly but neces-sary, and we will need to begin a cam-paign 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,

Jerry Tamamoto, President

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 bal-ance would profit from such a class, which meets on Saturday afternoons. Taiko or drumming practices are held on Sundays after the services in the


Rhythm And Life Exercise Program Designed to Keep Seniors Active

Hawaii Betsuin Culltural Program Is �riving Fujiko Motobu

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 lan-guage class is very popular and held on Wednesday mornings.

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

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.

Rhythm and Life is an exercise pro-gram developed in Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It was developed to help the growing num-ber of seniors in Japan to continue an active life through exercise. The pro-gram uses folk, children, and popular Japanese songs to accompany the exercise routines created by Profes-sor Chiyoko Saito, a kinesiologist with the Shizuoka University’s Physi-

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 posi-tive effects of music. Participants are encouraged to learn the songs (strengthen s the mind) and sing the songs (strengthens the breath-ing 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-

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.

Jerry Tamamoto

however the specially grown purple sweet potato has a higher concen-tration 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:


continued on page 8

Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 GOJI · The Goji provides this monthly Events Calendar to keep everyone...

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Transcript of Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 GOJI · The Goji provides this monthly Events Calendar to keep everyone...