Soto Mission of Hawaii-Shoboji Details

Soto Mission of Hawaii Shoboji Betsuin

Brief History

Shoboji was founded in 1913 by the Reverend Hosen Isobe. It started off as a temporary Betsuin located on Hall Street between Kukui and Beretania Street in a building named Yakushi Hall built by the Reverend Ryogo Mitsunaga who died before the completion of the building. The present temple on Nuuanu Avenue was completed and dedicated in 1921 under the efforts of the Reverend Zenkyo Komagata who was the resident minister of the time.

Activities and Services

There are many activities at Shoboji including; Sunday School, Zazen kai, Tea Ceremony (Sado), Koto, Bon Dance Practice, Tomo no kai (Circle of Friends) in which the group meets regularly to sing songs, learn how to play the ukulele, do fun exercise and other things.

Shoboji also observes all the major Buddhist ceremonies such as Nehan-e, Hanamatsuri, Jodo-e, O-Higan, O-Bon, and Daruma-ki as well as conduct memorial services, weddings, blessings, and funerals.

There also have Soto Academy (Grades Kindergarten thru Sixth Grade), Y.B.A.

Club activities (Aikido, Judo, others) ,Kumon classes (tutoring of Math, English, and Japanese) and Taiko class at Shoboji Betsuin.

Everyone is welcomed to come to Soto Mission of Hawaii Shoboji Betsuin and take part in the services and activities. The weekly Sunday service begins at 9:30 AM.