Ho’onko, also known as the Shinran Shonin Memorial Service, is important for Jodo Shinshu followers. This is the time we express our sincere gratitude to our founder, Shinran Shonin, who dedicated his life to spreading the joy and teachings of the Nembutsu Path.

Despite many hardships and, at times, risking his life, he never gave up on his quest to share the Nembutsu message with everyone he encountered. It is due to Shinran’s incredible journey that we are now able to rejoice in Amida’s Wisdom and Compassion that illuminates us every moment of our lives.

About Our Guest Speaker

Our guest speaker for the Hoonko services is Rev. Shigenori Makino. Rev. Makino was born in Kitakyushu-city in Fukuoka, Japan. He studied Jodo Shinshu Buddhism at Ryukoku University and graduated from both undergraduate and master’s programs. Then he studied psychology at Winona State University.

Rev. Makino’s ministerial career started at the Sapporo Betsuin in Hokkaido, Japan. He has also served at Wailuku Hongwanji, Kailua Hongwanji, Moiliili Hongwanji, Toronto Buddhist church in Canada, and Hawaii Betsuin as Rimban. Rev. Makino holds a certificate of pastoral care and has volunteered as a counselor and chaplain with numerous organizations in Hawaii.

Makino Sensei is married to the former Sumie Tamekuni and has two daughters and two grandchildren.