Guest Speaker: Rev. Eric Matsumoto
M.C.: Merle Tashiro
REVEREND Eric Matsumoto
Reverend Eric Matsumoto is a native of Kona on the Big Island. He graduated from Konawaena High School and attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo earning a B.A. degree in 1) History and 2) Liberal Studies - Japanese Language & Culture.
In 1983, Rev. Matsumoto received the Crown Price Akihito Scholarship to attend Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan. He graduated from Ryukoku University with a Master's Degree in Shin Buddhist Studies. Also, during that period, he received his Ordination followed by Full Certification as a Jodo-Shinshu minister in 1991.
Rev. Matsumoto returned to Hawaii in 1992 and joined the Hopa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii as an associate minister for the Hawaii Betsuin Buddhist Temple. He then served as minister of Honokaa, Kamuela, Kohala and Paauilo temples on the Big Island. In 2002 he became the minister of Moiliili Hongwanji.
In 2011, Rev. Matsumoto became the 16th Bishop of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii. He served in that capacity until June 2023. He is currently the minister of Aiea Hongwanji Mission.
He was a member of the Board of Directors of North Hawaii Hospice, Inc. and the North Hawaii Community Hospital's Pastorial Care Advisory Group and on the Advisory Council of the Interfaith Alliance of Hawaii.
Rev. Matsumoto is an active participant and supporter of community events, especially those connected with peace, harmony, goodwill and the overall betterment of society. During his time as Bishop, he proposed the idea of a Buddhist musical to spread the Dharma message of peace and worked with Ohana Arts, which culminated in the youth musical "Peace on Your Wings," that toured the State of Hawaii and led to performances in L.A., New York, the San Francisco Bay area and in Hiroshima, Japan.
He has taken a position on Marriage Equality in Hawaii, the Executive Ban on Immigration, Responsible Gun Control and Separation of Families at the Southern US Border with the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii's Committee on Social Concerns.
Rev. Matsumoto is married to Tamayo and has two children, Chika and Caden.
He interests are Buddhist art and architecture and has visited Buddhist temples and other historical sites in Japan, Canada, US Mainland, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, India, Nepal and Bhutan.
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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.