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.

Guest Speaker:
Bishop Eric Matsumoto

“The Dynamics of ‘Embrace Change: Transformation (Walk in Peace)'” *

Prior to the dharma message for adults, the Bishop will present a children’s dharma message.

About Our Speaker

Bishop Eric Matsumoto was born in Kona, Hawaii and graduated from Konawaena High School. He is also a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, majoring in History and Liberal Studies-Japanese Language & Culture. After graduating from UH Hilo, he entered Ryukoku University Graduate School and majored in Shin Buddhism Studies. Bishop Matsumoto was also a recipient of the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship.

Bishop Matsumoto’s first assignment was the Hawaii Betsuin. He has also served at the Honoka’a, Kamuela, Kohala, Paauilo Hongwanji temples on the Big Island, and Moiliili Hongwanji Mission in Honolulu. He has served as the Bishop of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii since March 2011.

* Embrace Change: Transformation (Walk in Peace) is the Hongwanji theme and slogan for 2019.