Aloha to all our Ichimi readers! There is a youth movement at SLO Buddhist Church – small but noticeable! Our Dharma School has been ongoing for 4 months, averaging 6 students; Junior Taiko for 1 month with 8 participants; and Kendo for Kids which started in July 2023 averaging 6 kendokas ages 7-13. Our youth are becoming more involved in our Sunday services by learning to ring the kansho and co-leading the chanting. They have been “playing” the seitakus during chanting for over 9 months, cuing the sangha when each line ends. We all know that our youth are keys not only to the survival of our programs but also their expansion. Kudos to the adult leaders who are fostering these efforts.

We’ve recently selected a contractor to replace the temple roof: Creative Roofing Co. whose bid for lightweight concrete tile roof was $112,000. Our original thought was to go with a metal roof, but the $171,000 cost was cost prohibitive. Start date for construction has not been determined yet.

CalPoly Japanese Students Association, Nikkei Student Union, and other student groups will be holding a Harumatsuri festival on April 18th on our church grounds. The event is to promote the Japanese culture complete with lighted chochin lanterns and yagura, taiko performance and food. For those who remember SLOBC’s Wisteria Festival held many years ago, this event will be a good “reincarnation.” Support the Cal-Poly JSA by attending this event.

If you have not heard about SLOBC’s 100th Anniversary Celebration in February 2027, we will be passing along information in each edition of Ichimi. The 100th Anniversary is a major milestone for each Buddhist temple/church, a culmination of all the dedi-cation, hard work and dreams of the first-generation Japanese, or issei that came to this country.

In Japan and along the Potomac River near our nation’s capital, Japanese cherry blossom trees are providing a spectacular sight for all. Enjoy Spring and all its beauty.

Gassho,
Gary Hongo