January 20, 2022
Preparing the Hawaii 800th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony
The 800th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony of Nichiren Shonin’s Birth from Hawaii takes place on January 23, 2022 10 am Hawaii Standard Time. The sincere wish of the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii members and Rev. Shokai Kanai was to have the Honorable Rev Nissho Kanno, Archbishop of Nichiren Shu to officiate the ceremony in person.
Up until November 2021 it looked as this would indeed be possible with the Archbishop and various Nichiren Shu dignitaries (Shomyo masters, Aragyo masters) planning to attend. Then the COVID Omicron variant reared its ugly head and plans changed. The event would be officiated by the Archbishop but it would be online.
Due to time differences it was not possible for Archbishop Kanno to officiate things live. Instead the ceremony was recorded at Ikegami Honmonji Temple on December 23 and it was fascinating to watch Shomyo Master Reverend Shuko Kawazaki preside over the planning and rehearsal. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes for a large international event, both in Hawaii and in Japan. As it is one of the very last 800th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremonies, we sincerely hope Nichiren Shu members and followers around the world take the opportunity to join the live stream. We look forward to seeing you there!