Honpa Hongwanji Living Treasures is an annual program that recognizes and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation
And promotion of Japanese culture and heritage. In 2023, the program will celebrate its 14th anniversary and continue to showcase
Individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
What is Honpa Hongwanji Living Treasures?
Honpa Hongwanji Living Treasures is a program organized by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, a Buddhist organization dedicated to spreading the teachings
Of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and promoting the culture and values of Japan. The program was launched in 2010 to recognize individuals who
Have dedicated their lives to the preservation and promotion of Japanese culture and heritage, and who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
The Living Treasures program is modeled after the Living National Treasure program of Japan, which was established in 1950 to honor outstanding
Practitioners of traditional Japanese arts and crafts. The goal of the Honpa Hongwanji Living Treasures program is to identify and honor individuals who
Have made significant contributions to the preservation of Japanese cultural heritage in Hawaii and to encourage future generations to continue to learn, practice and appreciate Japanese culture.
The 2023 Honorees
The 2023 Honpa Hongwanji Living Treasures program will honor four individuals who have dedicated their lives to promoting and preserving Japanese culture and heritage in Hawaii.
Calvin Kobayashi
Calvin Kobayashi is a master of traditional Japanese carpentry and a respected teacher of the craft.
He has been practicing Japanese carpentry for over 40 years and has built many traditional Japanese-style buildings in Hawaii, including the Shofuso Japanese
Cultural Center in Honolulu. Kobayashi has also trained numerous apprentices in the art of Japanese carpentry, ensuring that the craft will continue to thrive in Hawaii.
Masumi Kobayashi
Masumi Kobayashi is a renowned artist who specializes in Japanese calligraphy and ink painting.
She has been practicing calligraphy for over 60 years and has received numerous awards and recognition for her work.
Kobayashi has also taught calligraphy to countless students and has helped to spread an appreciation of this traditional art form throughout Hawaii.
Takashi Ogawa
Takashi Ogawa is a master of traditional Japanese pottery and has been practicing his craft for over 50 years.
He specializes in the technique of wood-fired ceramics and has built his own wood-fired kiln in Hawaii.
Frances Nakachi
Frances Nakachi is a dedicated community leader who has worked tirelessly to promote Japanese culture and heritage in Hawaii.
She has served as the president of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association and has been instrumental in the establishment of the
Hawaii Okinawan Center, which serves as a hub for Okinawan cultural activities in Hawaii.
Conclusion
The Honpa Hongwanji Living Treasures program is a wonderful way to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the
Preservation and promotion of Japanese culture and heritage in Hawaii. The 2023 honorees are all outstanding individuals who have dedicated their
Lives to their respective fields and have helped to ensure that traditional Japanese cultural practices will continue to thrive in Hawaii.
We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their tireless efforts to preserve and promote Japanese culture and
