The first-place poster submission from Linda Nagai of Kona Hongwanji
Five winning entries for the Hongwanji’s 2026 theme/slogan poster contest were announced at the December meeting of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Board of Directors. The poster contest aimed to engage participants in a creative exploration of the 2026 theme and slogan, “Nurturing Nembutsu: Sharing Gratitude.” Guidelines and judging criteria were posted on our website and through the Headquarters Update and Ka Leo Kāhea newsletters.
The poster pictured above, submitted by Linda Nagai of Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, received first place honors. The poster depicts cupped hands gently holding a plumeria blossom and bud. The words include both the 2026 slogan and “Nourished in the Nembutsu, Blossoming in Gratitude.” Linda’s poster will be duplicated and distributed for posting at Hongwanji temples throughout Hawaii. Second place honors went to Aiko Nakashima of Hongwanji Mission School. Her poster is a photo collage entitled “The World Around Us.”
Also placing in the contest were entries from Madelyn Masutomi of Hongwanji Mission School (3rd place), Rick Tabor of Hawaii Betsuin (4th place), and Isla Ige of Hongwanji Mission School (5th place). You can see them all in the gallery below. Further down, you can read artist commentary that accompanied the submissions.
Poster contest chairpersons were Reverend Shawn Yagi and Debbie Kubota.
Gallery: 2026 Poster Contest Entries
Artist Statements Accompanying the Entries
1st Place: Linda Nagai, Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, “Nurturing Nembutsu Sharing Gratitude”
I saw a plumeria flower blooming in my neighbor’s yard. When I picked it, I noticed a small bud still attached to the stem. I thought of the bud as the child of the plumeria tree, nurtured by the same earth that sustains the flower. The tree receives nourishment and, in return, offers its blossoms freely to the world.
In this simple moment, I was reminded of the Nembutsu. Just as the earth nurtures the tree, the Nembutsu nurtures our hearts, allowing gratitude to blossom naturally within us. The hand offering the plumeria symbolizes how we, too, can share that gratitude with others,gently, sincerely, and without expectation. This is the heart of “Nurturing Nembutsu, Sharing Gratitude.”
2nd Place: Aiko Nakashima, Hongwanji Mission School, “The World Around Us”
This series of photos depict things that we see in everyday life. From bustling cities to tranquil nature, it is important to show gratitude and appreciation for everything that surrounds us.
3rd Place: Madelyn Masutomi, Hongwanji Mission School, “Sunset Tree”
I was inspired by the beauty of nature and am very grateful for it.
4th Place: Rick Tabor, Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, “Surf’s Up!”
“Surf’s Up!” embodies Hawaii’s positive, enthusiastic outlook, extending beyond its literal meaning in surfing. Beyond surfing, it means “it’s time to do something” or that something exciting is about to happen. It can be an expression of excitement and good vibes, symbolizes a balanced approach to life’s ups and downs. While focusing on positive thoughts, fostering a sense of community among those who share a love of positive vibrations. Aligning with the Hawaiian value of Aloha, which encompasses kindness, compassion, and mutual respect, with Buddhist principles, Nurturing Nembutsu: Cultivating Awareness, cultivating gratitude, awareness of one’s true nature, and compassion. The dharma path rides the wave. Enjoy the ride.
5th Place: Isla Ige, Hongwanji Mission School, “Pua Nani”
I was inspired by this flower because honey comes from bees and they work hard to make it. Honey is also on almost all the foods I love like açaí bowls and biscuits.
Additional Submissions:
Cynthia Chung, Hongwanji Mission School, “Find the Light Within”
I was inspired by nature’s beauty of the clouds forming around the sun.
Madelyn Tanaka, Hongwanji Mission School, “Ke Ola Nani”
I chose this photo because I wanted to show how beautiful natures life really is.
Anailah Tanioka, Ewa Makai Middle School, “Sharing Gratitude”
I believe the main teaching of Buddha is to be a good person. You can be a good person by being mindful of others and showing compassion and empathy towards others. You can meditate and reflect on the things that matter most to you and how you can make the world a better place.