September 2024

The Wailuku Hongwanji Young Buddhist Association (YBA) was organized by Reverend Tetsuzan Funakura in January 1903. The purpose of organizing the group was to further the interest in the Buddha’s teachings among the younger members. Throughout the years, Reverend Kagetsu Shibata and Reverend Seiya Kai directed the YBA members. Reverend Kai expanded the YBA program to include non-religious activities such as sports, the formation of a concert band and other activities.

Wailuku Hongwanji Mission established its preschool in 1962 to provide care and guidance for the children of the Wailuku Hongwanji members, and to introduce and promote an understanding of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The first class included about ten children. The preschool is now open to the general public and operates year-round, with an enrollment of about 45 children and a qualified staff including a director, certified early childhood teachers, and teachers’ aides. The preschool continues to serve the families of temple members and the general public by providing a quality program in early childhood education, and allowing working parents to meet the economic needs of their families.

In 1930, Wailuku Hongwanji Japanese Language School required all male students to participate in some physical education activity. Sumo and judo were offered as electives. The male teachers all participated as instructors. Mr. Tadaichi Fukunaga, Reverend Shoten Matsubayashi, and Reverend Suijo Kabashima were primary instructors. Classes were held on Saturday mornings and in the evening during the week.

According the Hawaii Kyodan’s Centennial Booklet, Wailuku Hongwanji Gakuen (Japanese Language School) was established in 1906 and served 126 pupils from the first through ninth grades. Reverend Funakura started the Gakuen, using the temple as the classroom.