Participants of the World Federation of Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Buddhist Women’s Associations Representative Meeting on August 22, 2025 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The lay representatives who attended in person are wearing their 2027 BWA Convention’s Montoshikisho.
We are all still smiling and flashing the “Shaka,” Hawaii’s friendly hand gesture symbolizing the Aloha spirit. It is usually a gesture used as a greeting, farewell, or an expression of gratitude and positivity. Come to Hawaii, just as you are, and things will be great!! (Shared by Convention Co-chair Claire Tamamoto)
In the photo…
Back row: Rev. Yasushi Hasegawa (Hongwanji BFW Admin. Staff-Japan), Tamayo Matsumoto (Hawaii), Sharon Nohara (Hawaii), Cindy Alm (Hawaii), Tomoko Inoue (Secretary General-Japan), Peggy Okabayashi (BCA), Gayle Harada (BCA), Janet Umezu (BCA), Michael Endo (BCA).
Front row: Yumi Suzuki (Hawaii), Claire Tamamoto (Hawaii), Yoshiko Umitani (Hawaii), Rev. Blayne Higa (Hawaii), Linda Nagai (Hawaii), Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani (Hawaii), Bishop Marvin Harada (BCA), Bishop Tatsuya Aoki (Canada), Rev. Hideaki Saito (Director in charge of BWA-Japan).
Attendees in person not in the picture: Rev. Yuika Hasebe (Interpreter-Hawaii), Rev. Eric Matsumoto (Interpreter-Hawaii).
Attending via Zoom were Rev. Hiroki Yamashita (Japan), Maureen Hatanaka (Canada), Rev. Grant Ikuta (Canada), Myra Takasaki (Canada), Penny Atcheson (Hawaii), Bishop Mario Kajiwara (South America) and Kioko Nakasato (South America).