By Francis Okano

After seven years, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Music Committee ended its long COVID pause to stage a choralfest at the Hawaii Betsuin on the weekend of September 20-21, 2025. Eager for music, one hundred brave singers from as far east as Denver, Colorado, and as far west as Kanazawa, Japan — not to mention all the islands of Hawaii — settled into the Social Hall at noon, Saturday, to do their best to harmonize in the celebrated tradition of the Midou Ensoukai at the Honzan, in Kyoto, every fall. And ready to whip them into shape was none other than Hawaii’s foremost choral conductor — and Waianae Hongwanji’s very own — Nola Nahulu, director of Hawaii Opera Chorus.

Over four intense hours — interrupted once for sumptuous refreshments — the singers rehearsed a total of six choral gathas. They included Where, Oh, Where? (Hotokesama wa); To My Daughters (Musume tachi yo); To All We Owe (Ikasarete); Surely, We Will Meet Again Someday (Kitto mata aeru ne); Upon Clouds (Nagareyuku kumo ni); and Gratefulness II (Ondokusan II). Dinner was served amid soothing recorded background music and the chatter of new and old acquaintances. After a gracious welcome speech by Bishop Umitani, all were treated to expert sanshin — accompanied singing and Okinawan dancing by a prominent musical family descendant and minister, Rev. Blayne Nakasone-Sakata.

Sunday morning buzzed in anticipation of choral singing at the Music Service. To prepare for the first ever livestreaming of choralfest, the Betsuin’s technology team discreetly dotted the Hondo with microphones and cameras while working intently from the back corner. Ever the innovator, Conductor Nahulu this year had singers introduce each gatha by reading excerpts from the Program Notes that were printed in the handouts to the congregation. This public reading was sure to have encouraged the congregation to read the Notes for a better understanding and appreciation of each choral offering.

In her message to the assembly, Rimban Yuika Hasebe referenced the description, in the Amida-kyo sutra, of jewels in the Pure Land gleaming and resonating in Amida Buddha’s gentle breeze. She noted that we are like the jewels that produce a wondrous harmony of sounds because the breeze of Amida’s wisdom and compassion touches our lives. She reminded that we cannot create harmony with-out listening to others’ voices, and we cannot create harmony without offering our own voices. We receive and we give.

The MC presided graciously. The conductor was, as always, in her element. The Festival Choir sang beautifully. The piano voiced its support. The congregation applauded. And, at the concluding lunch, friends mingled in warm fellowship and joy over savory delights.