More Appreciation

Betsuin Dance – On the evening of September 27, many members and guests enjoyed an evening of music, fun and food during the Betsuin’s first Dance Fundraiser. An enjoyable evening was had by all who attended. The Wesley Jazz Ensemble led by Wayne Adachi provided the live music, Robert Nakamae and Rev. Sakamoto photographed attendees, and Von and Arline Miyasaki and Phyllis Yoshikawa provided dance instruction. Thank you to Phyllis Sugimoto and her committee consisting of Deborah Aso, Audrey Doi, Janice Doi, Shiz Hanada, May Horio, Joyce Iwasaki, Elaine Jones, Alvin Nakagawa, Dina Onishi, Cyndi Sakuma and Roy Yamanouchi for planning and executing this very successful event. Thank you also to the event sponsors (see list in Board Bullets) who donated $250.00 each to this event, to all who donated items to the silent auction and to all who attended the dance. How about another fun evening next year?

Spirit of Japantown Festival – The Betsuin’s participation in the Spirit of Japantown festival on October 4th was a great success. Thanks to Jacque Yamaguchi, who coordinated the food booths, and Lynn Yamaichi, who coordinated the children’s activity booths. The pork and chicken buns provided by Santo Market were a popular food item with many people lined up to purchase them. Tom and Greer Nishikawa ran the photo booth where customers were able to have their photo taken in an authentic samurai uniform or other Japanese clothing. The ABA booth ran a White Elephant booth with lots of rummage sale items. Thank you to all that helped with the planning and running the booths, including the volunteers from the Mountain View temple. Our participation not only helped to raise money for our organizations, but also helped to support our Japantown, one of only three remaining Japantowns in the United States.

Nembutsu Family Conference – The 2008 Nembutsu Family Conference was held at the Watsonville temple on Sunday, October 5. Events included an opening service, a keynote speech by Bhante Madawala Seelawimala, several workshops, a bento lunch and a closing service. A Coast District committee led by Norm Uyeda of Watsonville and supported by representatives of the five district temples, including Phyllis Sugimoto and our San Jose ministers, spent many months planning this family activity. Thank you Phyllis and senseis! Thank you also to Jolene Furuya, who prepared the program booklet, and to Mas Nishimura, who led our San Jose workshop. Thank you also to Lynda Ichinaga, Steve Ichinaga, Elaine Jones, Michael Jones, Glenn Kurimoto, Thomas Shinagawa, Curtis Takahashi, Emi Tsutsumi and Karen Hironaga for helping with the workshop. Have you seen the cool spinners that the attendees made?

BWA 100th Anniversary – Congratulations to our Betsuin’s Buddhist Women’s Association, which celebrated their 100th Anniversary on Sunday, October 25. The events included a Centennial Service in the hondo, a group photo in front of the hondo, and a luncheon in the annex. The activities were attended by BCA Socho Koshin Ogui and Mrs. Mayumi Ogui, ministers of the Coast District temples, representatives of the Coast District temple BWA organizations, past and retired ministers of our temple and the many members of the BWA and their guests. Entertainment consisted of Japanese dances by Moschel Kadokura, Lynne Yamaichi and Mary Arii Mah and instrumental and vocal performances by the San Jose Jr. Choir and a ukulele group led by Curtis Takahashi. Thank you to the BWA for continuing to be the backbone of our Betsuin, and congratulations again on reaching this significant milestone.

JACL Honors Betsuin Komon – On Saturday, November 1, two members of the San Jose Betsuin Komon and their wives will be honored at the JACL Community Recognition Dinner at the San Jose Holiday Inn. Jimi and Eiko Yamaichi along with Ray and Lucy Matsumoto will be among those honored at the annual dinner. Let us support our Komon by attending the dinner. Tickets are available through Jeff Yoshioka of the San Jose JACL (email jyoshioka@msn.com or phone (408)363-8191. In any case, the next time you see them, be sure to congratulate Jimi and Ray for receiving this prestigious recognition.

Oseibo – Oseibo is an end of the year gift, which is a tradition in Japan and at some temples here in the United States. Oseibo is the tradition of sending gifts to people you need to thank for their help during the past year. As we reflect upon the past year, think about what is really important to you and who has assisted you along the way, and you may want to give them a present or monetary donation. An oseibo is a reflection of what we consider important in our lives, and we demonstrate that true happiness comes from dana or the selfless act of giving. You are free to show your appreciation toward our ministers and office staff in this traditional manner by giving your gift directly to the individual or by sending your check to the Betsuin Oseibo Committee along with the enclosed form designating the distribution of your gift.

In Gassho,
Al Hironaga