Event details
- Thursday | August 14, 2025
- 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin in Honolulu 1727 Pali Highway, Honolulu, HI 96813 (enter parking from 1742 Lusitana St.)
- (808) 522-9200
IN REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION
Commemorating 80 Years Since the End of World War II
Commemoration Service
Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 5:00 p.m.
With guest speaker Sadae Kasaoka, a Hiroshima Hibakusha*
Honpa Hongwanji Hawai‘i Betsuin
(Access to parking is from 1742 Lusitana Street)
*A Hibakusha is a person directly affected by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Ms. Kasaoka was exposed to the atomic bombing of Hiroshima when she was 12 years old in her first year of girls’ high school. At the moment of the explosion, she was at home, which was 3.5 km (2.2 miles) away from the hypocenter. Please join us to hear her story.
In connection with the 5 p.m. commemoration service, there will be an Atomic Bomb Photo Poster Exhibition in the Hawaii Betsuin Social Hall from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Those attending the service may wish to come early or stay after to view the exhibit. Parental discretion is advised.
Event Background
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, we gather in solemn remembrance of all those whose lives were profoundly affected by the consequences of war. We reflect on the immense human cost of conflict, and through the preservation of historical memory, we seek to deepen our understanding and commitment to peace.
Guided by the Wisdom and Compassion of Amida Buddha, we rededicate ourselves to building a community—and a world—where every life is equally valued and embraced. May this gathering inspire us to walk together on the path toward a more peaceful and harmonious society.
Event Organizers
- Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii — Office of the Bishop and Peace Day Committee
- Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin
- Honolulu District Ministers Association
With special cooperation from the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation and Ms. Sadae Kasaoka
