VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 3 • September 2026

Roy Miyamoto: A Life Guided by Compassion

His kindness, humility and thoughtful action touched countless lives as he quietly strengthened temples, supported ministers and cared for sangha members

BY GAIL S. TAGASHIRA
MANAGING EDITOR
KA LEO KĀHEA

Over 35 years, Roy Miyamoto quietly shaped Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi by strengthening temples, supporting ministers and offering steady guidance through times of both celebration and crisis.

He did so with humility, compassion and wisdom, never seeking recognition but simply believing it was the right thing to do.

As Hawaiʻi Kyodan president, adviser and trusted leader, his influence reached every corner of the organization. Many of the improvements he championed continue to benefit the organization today, often without members realizing the role he played in making them possible.

It was no surprise then, at his funeral on August 1, 2026 in the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin temple, that his friends, colleagues, admirers and his large extended family filled the hondo to honor and remember an exemplary life.

Officiated by Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani, assisted by the ministers representing the five districts and the Hawaiʻi Betsuin Rimban, the service included the presentation of Ingo (posthumous title), of “Jo-Sho-In” (常照院), meaning “The one who is taken into the Buddha’s Heart at all times and places,” in recognition of his dedication to both HHMH and the broader community.

While the sadness of his passing was evident throughout the temple, the service became a celebration of Roy Miyamoto’s remarkable life, filled with stories of his quiet generosity, thoughtful leadership and lasting contributions.

In 1993, when Hurricane Iniki struck Kaua’i inflicting more than $3 billion in damage, Roy and the late Bishop Thom Nakanishi began relief efforts to help temples and their communities with generators, financial assistance and spiritual support.

Five months later, they traveled to the Garden Isle to share a moment of fellowship with members by holding a picnic, gathering some 300 members together to listen to their situations, reassess their needs and reassure them of Honpa Hongwanji’s continuing support.

“He understood that true recovery is not only measured by repaired buildings,” Bishop Umitani said. “True healing also means caring for wounded hearts.”

Roy’s grandchildren, Jason and Cameron Miyamoto, offered poignant tributes. Jason read the poem, “Grandfather Kept a Garden” and Cameron, a high school student, read Clare Jones’ “As We Look Back,” asking:

Did we remember to thank you enough
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
…If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We’re thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us.

Fellow attorney James Koshiba, who served with Roy on the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court’s Board of Examiners before Roy entered private practice, also spoke of his integrity.

“He is one of the finest, most decent, kindest, humblest people I have ever known,” Koshiba said.

“He will be deeply mourned by many,” Bishop Umitani said. “May his life of compassion and wisdom continue to inspire us.”