“Whether this is your first Giseikai or you have attended many over the years, I sincerely hope that this session will be a meaningful one for all of us—that we will enjoy our time together, meet new Dharma friends, engage in good conversations and thoughtful discussions, and cultivate a sense of oneness as the Hongwanji Sangha. Your dedication and commitment truly form the foundation of the Hongwanji and enable us to move forward.

“I would like to extend a warm welcome and aloha to our special guests: Mr. Glenn Inanaga and Mr. Jeffrey Matsuoka from the Buddhist Churches of America; Ms. Laura Sugimoto from the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada; and Rev. Kiyonobu Kuwahara from the Jodo Shinshu International Office. I am always encouraged and grateful to be connected with our sister organizations on the U.S. Mainland, in Canada, South America, and Japan. I am grateful to Shinran Shonin and the Nembutsu teaching that continue to bring us together beyond borders and distances. Welcome back to Hawaii, and thank you very much for being with us.

“Last year, several temples observed important commemorative services: Papaikou Hongwanji’s 115th Anniversary; Honohina Hongwanji’s 125th Anniversary; Kona Hongwanji BWA’s 125th Anniversary; Moiliili Hongwanji BWA’s 100th Anniversary; Lihue Hongwanji’s 125th Anniversary; and Lanai Hongwanji’s Centennial. Our sister organization, the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temples of Canada, also observed its 120th Anniversary. At the same time, we witnessed the closing of the Waianae Hongwanji Mission, which officially closed its doors at the end of last year.

“I was fortunate to take part in many of these commemorative services. As I prepared messages for them, I spent time learning about each temple’s history. Every temple has its own unique story. When I reflect on the ministers and members who laid the foundations of these temples, protected them through turbulent times, and ensured that this precious legacy would be passed on to future generations, I am deeply moved by their commitment, vision, and perseverance.

“The history of our Hongwanji temples is truly a collection of living stories—stories of countless individuals who gathered, supported one another, and walked the Nembutsu path together.

“More than one hundred years ago, ministers’ responsibilities extended far beyond the temple walls. Records tell us that many ministers traveled 20 or 30 miles from their homes—sometimes on horseback, sometimes by slow-moving train, and often on foot. They endured sun, rain, and strong winds. They lost their way in mountains and fields, fell into ditches, and faced unwelcoming words and harsh criticism. And yet, they continued on. Guided by the Nembutsu and sustained by the support of devoted members, they dedicated their lives to sharing the Buddha-Dharma.

“There is one story that especially touched my heart—the story of Rev. Hiseki Miyasaki, who served the Lihue Hongwanji Mission for 45 years from 1902 to 1948.

“A man once invited Rev. Miyasaki to his home to hold a Dharma gathering. On the appointed day, Rev. Miyasaki walked sixteen miles to reach the home—only to be told that no such invitation had been made and that he was not welcome. Wearing his minister’s robe, he did not argue. He quietly walked away and stopped at a nearby coffee shop for dinner. When he shared what had happened and his commitment to sharing the Dharma, the shop owner was deeply moved by his sincerity. The owner invited several local residents to gather, and right there, in that small coffee shop, Rev. Miyasaki held a Dharma service.

“This story speaks to his unwavering commitment to sharing the Buddha-Dharma and to offering spiritual guidance to the Issei immigrants and their families on Kauai. I cannot help but feel deep respect and admiration for his burning devotion to the Dharma. I often wonder what motivated ministers such as Rev. Hiseki Miyasaki to continue sharing the Dharma despite the many hardships they faced. I believe it was their deep appreciation for Amida Buddha’s Wisdom and Compassion.

“Having realized that their lives were embraced by Amida Buddha’s Compassion and having received comfort and joy through the Nembutsu, they could not help but move forward to share that joy, gratitude, and assurance with others. Their work was not simply a means of livelihood; it was an expression of their firm belief that Amida Buddha’s Compassion would enrich the lives of immigrants and their families in this new land of Hawaii.

“I, too, believe that Amida Buddha’s Wisdom and Compassion can enrich people’s lives today. Even as science and modern technologies—such as artificial intelligence—continue to advance at a remarkable pace, I believe the Dharma still offers meaning, guidance, and assurance in times of uncertainty and isolation.

“People today experience feelings of disconnection, being lost, or being overwhelmed by life’s complexities. They are searching for messages that guide them through darkness and uncertainty. They are searching for people and communities that welcome them with empathy and care. They are searching for a place where their entire existence is affirmed as they are, and where they feel they are not alone. That is precisely what we, as the Hongwanji, can offer.

“The word Hongwanji literally means “the temple of Amida Buddha’s Vow.” Our temples are places where the Hongwan—Amida Buddha’s Vow—prevails, and where people find comfort in its warm embrace. Our temples have been such places for generations, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure that they continue to be so.

“Each of us gathered here today has a role and responsibility in embodying Amida Buddha’s Vow. Through our words and actions, the all-inclusive Wisdom and Compassion of Amida Buddha are shared and made real in the lives of those who come to our temples. I sincerely thank each of you for what you do at your respective temples and districts.

“I found the following statement in the 80^th Giseikai booklet.

Since its humble beginning, the Giseikai convened for 80 times over the past 84 years. Despite the many changes it underwent, the significance and value of the Giseikai can be understood as being the highest body that constantly defines the goals and aims of the Hawaii Kyodan. The Hawaii Kyodan observed its centennial in 1989 and has now entered into the 2^nd century of existence. It behooves each and every one of us to plan a propagational program and temple administration conducive to the needs of our present generation. To transmit the Nembutsu dharma in a new era most effectively, the Hawaii Kyodan must revise the methods of reasoning and implement a strong and effective program of propagation. Standing at the threshold of our 2^nd century, the Giseikai, as the legislative body of the Hawaii Kyodan, has a greater role to play in projecting the Hawaii Kyodan into the maelstrom of our ever-changing world.

“With these words, we are reminded that the Giseikai is an important gathering where we reflect on who we are, where we stand, and how we move forward together as the Hongwanji Sangha. As the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii faces many challenges ahead, it becomes all the more important that we carefully observe and remain mindful of the needs of our surrounding communities, and share the Dharma in ways that truly respond to our time. That is not easy. We all know. But I believe we are making a difference. We are contributing something unique and invaluable to the enrichment of our community. I humbly ask for your continued support and cooperation in making our Hongwanji truly Hongwanji—a place where Amida Buddha’s profound aspiration and compassion prevail.

“Once again, welcome to the 114th Giseikai. Thank you very much. Namo Amida Butsu.”

Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani
February 20, 2026

“At present, the world is experiencing great division and uncertainty. In addition, international tensions are rising due to the conflict between Russia and NATO allies at the forefront, the situation in the Middle East, and the situation in Taiwan. Furthermore, as natural disasters globally prevail and society becomes increasingly complex as technology rapidly advances, the teaching of Amida Tathagata’s Primal Vow is needed more than ever because of its universality that can guide all people regardless of nationality or language.

“As one sangha in which the joy of the Nembutsu is shared beyond nation, culture, and language, let us join together and move forward under the organizational principle clearly stated in the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Constitution as, “The organization transmits the wisdom and compassion of Amida Tathagata to all people, and in doing so, contributes to the realization of a society in which everyone, both within and outside of the organization, is able to live a life of spiritual fulfillment.”

“In closing, it is my hope that the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii will continue to prosper and that many fruitful results will arise from this annual meeting.”

February 20, 2026
Governor General Sonoki Giko
Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha