Speaker: Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani
M.C.: Merle Tashiro
Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani
This summer, Reverend Toshiyuki Umitani became the 17th Bishop of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. WBT members were present at his welcome luncheon on August 5, 2023 at the Sheraton Waikiki ballrooms. It was especially meaningful because WBT (Kailua Hongwanji) was Bishop & Mrs. Umitani's first assignment as a resident minister (in charge of our temple).
We are excited to have Bishop Umitani as our guest speaker for the Autum Ohigan & Peace Day service.
Bishop Umitani comes from a temple family. His family temple in Japan was established in 1585!
In 1998 he received his Tokudo (ordination) and in March 2000 his Kyoshi (full certification as a minister). He then served on the staff at the Hongwanji International Center in Kyoto, Japan before relocating to Hawaii in July 2001. After orientation and serving as an associate minister at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, Bishop and Mrs. Umitani arrived at Kailua Hongwanji (WBT). First serving as a Liaison Minister and then as Resident Minister of Kailua Hongwanji until February 2005. His next assignment was at Makawao Hongwanji Mission, followed by working at Headquarters as the Executive Assistant to the Bishop as well as Pacific Buddhist Academy's School Chaplain.
When we were without a minister, Bishop Umitani returned to Kailua Hongwanji for a few months in 2017 as an Oversee Minister. His last assignment was as Resident Minister at Moiliili Hongwanji Mission.
Bishop Umitani and his wife, Yoshiko, have two musically talented daughters, Naho and Riho, who performed at their father's welcome luncheon.
Please mark your calendars to attend the special service as we welcome home Bishop Umitani!
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As of March 27, 2022, in accordance with the revised State of Hawaii guidelines, the use of masks is optional inside the temple. Please be kind to those who choose to continue to wear a mask.