Buddhist Thoughts
July 2025
Whispers of Obon
J.K. Hirano
The months of June, July, August, and September are some of the busiest months for me. However, when I was a child, these months were my summer vacation from school. There were days spent carefree and lazy. Playing baseball with my friends in the playground of Whittier Elementary School. As I have mentioned before, we would go around the neighborhood collecting bottles to exchange them at the small convenience store and buy bottles of soda pop to share. I don't remember if we just drank the soda warm or got ice from somewhere. It truly felt as though they were endless summer days. My family would also get to go on a vacation. Although we did get to go to California every few years, a trip to Southern California meant a trip to Disneyland. These years, from possibly 5 to 15 years, I call them my wonder years, as they shaped my taste and the way I would live much of my life.
I still love fruit-flavored sodas and root beer. My friends were all LDS (Mormon), so we didn't usually drink colas. I still love Disneyland and have tried to imbue a love for Disney in my children. However, it was a big sacrifice and expense for my Dad to take us to Disneyland. I always wanted to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, and we never could afford it. Therefore, as an adult, my children have mostly stayed at hotels at Disneyland or Disney World, because I had told myself that when I'm older, I'll stay at those hotels. In the off years, when we weren't in California, my Dad insisted that we visit sites near our home. I recall Yellowstone, as well as various locations in Idaho, Nevada, and southern Utah, among others. I especially enjoyed going out to eat. We usually had to find an Asian restaurant, even in small Wyoming or Idaho towns, because my mom wanted white rice. Most Chinese restaurants at the time also offered American food. I would order some type of steak, and my sister, Joni, only ordered fish and chips, while our parents ate the Chinese food with white rice. Although these adventures were fun, the main event of the Summer was Obon.
As the minister for four temples, having multiple Hatsubon and other religious services, including cemetery visits and temple attendances, I still have the chance to participate in the dance. During my wonder years, the highlight of the Summer was our Salt Lake Buddhist Temple Obon Dance. My Auntie Maxine Furubayashi was the dance instructor for as long as I have been attending the Salt Lake Obon. Now her daughter and granddaughter, Sandy and Emily Furubayashi, are the instructors, along with Tracy Roberson. Her grandfather Rev. Shintatsu Sanada was the first minister I remember. Her Dad, Shinzui Sanada, was the Obon dance taiko player, and her mom, Naomi, would always dance in a beautiful yukata. I thought Shinzui and Naomi looked like movie stars; they were such a good-looking couple. I thought of them as a Japanese version of Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. At the temple, we now have two male instructors, Michael Iwasaki, Auntie Maxine's grandson, and Trey Ikegami.
Much has changed in our community and temple, however, there will always be whispers of Obon, moving throughout our lives. Even though we may not be able to physically see many of these people and memories, just as the nembutsu is always embracing, so is our Obon.
Although I have been talking about the past, it is also crucial for us to focus on the present. I have been playing with the new ChatGPT. I would like to conclude this article with something this ChatGPT wrote for me, a poem it named "Whispers of Obon"
In the hush of evening's glow, Lanterns sway, a gentle flow, Flickering flames,
a soft embrace,
of our loved ones remembered.
Crisp incense curls in the air,
A fragrant bridge to those who care,
With every prayer,
a heart's intent,
To honor lives that time has lent.
Dancing shadows in the light,
Echoes of laughter,
love's delight,
We gather round, where past and present intertwine. The river sings a lullaby,
As paper boats drift softly by,
carrying wishes, hopes, and dreams,
for those who watch from moonlit beams.
On this night, we remember,
The warmth of souls, a glowing ember,
As lanterns rise, they paint the sky,
A tribute to love that will never die.
Namo Amida Butsu!
President’s Message - Troy Watanabe
It’s Obon season and we are having our Obon Festival this month on Saturday, July 12th from 3:00pm to 10:00pm at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple. I am so excited as this is my favorite Buddhist Holiday and favorite festival that we do at the Temple. It is a great festival that always brings everyone in the community out to attend. I love catching up with everyone who comes out and seeing such great community coming together to celebrate our ancestors and all of those who came before us. This year’s chair of the Festival is Trey Imamura and he has been doing such a great job of changing a few things to hopefully make it smoother and better. That’s always the goal, to do better than the last year. And Trey has been wonderful in his planning and bringing everyone out for this year’s Obon Festival. This is our 89th annual festival and we are anticipating our largest so far. I hope to see everyone come out this year.
So, if our Obon Festival is on the 12th then you know that the Ogden Buddhist Church’s Obon Festival is the week after ours. The Ogden Buddhist Church Obon Festival will be on Saturday, July 19th from 3:00pm to 10:00pm. I love their Obon Festival also and hope you can all attend and support our neighbors to the north.
The YBA Sunshine trip is also this month. They are going on a bus trip to Southern California this year. They leave on Wednesday, July 23rd and come home on Sunday, July 27th. They have been fundraising for 2 years
to make this happen and are excited to visit other Buddhist Temples and even participate in Higashi Hongwanji’s Obon Festival. It will be a whirlwind tour but it is always a fun one. The YBA kids are always fun to hang out with.
July is always a busy month but we always come together to make it all happen. Thank you to all of you for your support of our Temple. We couldn’t do the things we do without such a wonderful Sangha.
Our Obon practices will be starting on Monday, June 30th and will be held through Thursday July 3rd and will continue the next week from Monday, July 7th through Thursday, July 10th. Please mark this on your calendars so you can learn the new dances and shake off the cobwebs of the old dances. Our Obon practices are pretty much an event all by themselves as Sherrie Koga and the Lumbini’s Garden crew always work extra hard in providing the delicious food that they prepare for another fundraising tool for our Temple. We are so grateful to all who help in this endeavor.
I want to thank everyone for all of the support you give to our Temple and I am excited to see all of you helping out at this year's Obon Festival. It is always great to see everyone come together for such a great event.
In Gassho, Troy Watanabe
Troop 442
Last month was a busy one for the Troop. We attended our Summer Camp this year from June 7th through June 14th at Camp Alexander near Lake George, Colorado. It was a really busy Summer Camp as they had each day packed with activities and events outside of the normal merit badge classes. Our boys earned 65 merit badges at this camp. They were also awarded Top Troop of the week. We were among 529 adult leaders and scouts. Our boys were well liked by other scouts, leaders, and counselors as many of our boys were awarded with camp awards for being outstanding leaders.
There were about 26 troops from all over the country. This camp was attended by about 12 troops from Texas which we thought was a long way to go for a camp but after speaking to many of them we found out that they really don’t have summer camps in Texas because of it being too hot in Texas. So, troops from Texas try to attend camps where it is much cooler. And it was. It rained on us every day and kept the temperatures cool all day. It was a beautiful camp.
We do have 4 of our boys and 3 leaders attending the National Boy Scout Camp of Philmont, New Mexico from July 26th through August 3rd on a 9 day backpacking camping trip. They are excited to attend a National Scouting event and we are excited for them to tell us all about it when they get back.
The Troop will be helping out at Obon this year and if you see any of them please let them know how awesome they are. They love representing our Temple and it would mean a lot to them to hear some encouragement. We hope to see everyone at the Festival.
Yours in Scouting, Troy Watanabe
Dharma School and YBA
YBA Sunshine
Get ready for sunshine! We're just days away from our 2025 Sunshine Trip to Southern California, and the excitement among the kids is building! We have an action-packed five days planned, including adventures at Disneyland, Newport Beach, Little Tokyo, and the Higashi Temple’s Obon Festival. These dedicated students have worked incredibly hard over the past two years to earn the funds for this trip, and we couldn't be prouder of their efforts. A huge thank you to our sangha for your continuous support of all our events!
Dharma School
Welcome Summer! We wrapped up the 2024-2025 year with a special service dedicated to our incredible student members. We are immensely proud of our 2024 High School and College Graduates, and we also celebrated students who achieved perfect Sunday School attendance. Our sangha is truly blessed with such amazing students; they are the vibrant future of our temple. Please join us in congratulating them whenever you see them!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 GRADUATES!!!
Mariko Jessop
Mariko graduated from Murray High School on June 5, 2025. She was on the yearbook staff for three years, serving as Editor-in-Chief her junior and senior years. A dedicated athlete, she competed in shot put, discus, and javelin all four years and was team captain for two. Mariko also coached the Murray Rec track team during summers. She earned the President’s Award for Academic Excellence, the Murray Medallion Award, and was an Academic All-State honoree. She completed the CTE Pathways program and was a National Honor Society member. Mariko will attend the University of Montana in Missoula this fall.
Miye Masters
Congratulations to Miye on her graduation from Highland High School! She overcame significant obstacles which makes her accomplishment so much more meaningful. Miye loves art and creative writing and her poem, “Monster in a Jar” was published by Salt Lake Teens Write. Miye also stands out for her deep love and appreciation for family and for her kindness and her love of her two dogs, Ozzie and Koda.
Jordan Satoru Roberson
Jordan graduated from Brighton High with a 3.9 GPA and numerous honors, including the Orange Heart Award and an Honors Diploma. He competed at DECA and FBLA nationals and mentored elementary students. A standout athlete, Jordan captained the hockey team and played varsity lacrosse until an ACL injury sidelined him. Despite this, he remained a team leader and earned a championship ring. Jordan is active in the YBA and Salt Lake Buddhist Taiko Group. He also works part-time in marketing, photography, and hospitality. Jordan will attend the University of Utah to study Business. His resilience and leadership are inspiring.
Isaac Holbrook
Isaac earned his BS in Psychology with a minor in Family & Consumer Studies from the University of Utah. He began his college journey at SDSU and studied abroad in Indonesia, focusing on religion and culture. Isaac made lasting friendships and hopes to return to Indonesia. Now considering law school or a career in Sports Psychology, he continues to explore his passions. His family is proud of the kind, intelligent, and capable person he has become. Isaac’s journey reflects his curiosity, compassion, and drive. Congratulations to Isaac and all 2025 graduates on their incredible achievements!
Mei Mei Nagata Brown
Mei graduated cum laude from Utah Tech University with a BS in Elementary Education and endorsements in ESL and Middle School Math. She earned multiple scholarships and maintained a 4.0 GPA. As a Resident Assistant, she was voted #1 by peers. Mei taught full-time during her final year and was active in pickleball and tennis clubs. This summer, she’s in Hawaii caring for the children of the Naval base at Pearl Harbor and learning to surf. In August, she’ll begin teaching 5th grade math at Salt Lake Arts Academy. Mei’s dedication, joy, and leadership shine brightly, congratulations on becoming an inspiring educator!
Justin Takeshi Roberson
Justin graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in Communications and a 3.67 GPA, also earning an Associate’s from SLCC. He was active in the Black Student Union and Asian American Student Association. Justin worked multiple jobs during school and participated in the Kakehashi Project, visiting Japan. He’s currently traveling, including a trip to El Salvador. Justin is president of the YBA and a member of the Salt Lake Buddhist Taiko Group. He enjoys pickleball, fitness, and cooking. Justin has accepted a role as a Content Marketing Assistant at SQRD Media. His future is bright and exciting!
Alex Tokita
Alex graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Utah with an Honors Bachelor’s in Computer Science. He led and supported several Asian-American student organizations, including serving as president of AASA and as the youth district rep for the national JACL. Alex is beginning his career as a software engineer at O.C. Tanner. He remains committed to community advocacy and values the support of his lifelong temple community. Alex’s academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to service have shaped him into a thoughtful and capable professional. His future is full of promise, and he looks forward to continuing to give back.
BWA
Wow! It’s already Obon time!
Thank you to everyone who helped to make our 250 Yaki Manju. They turned out so cute. They should sell out quickly!
Please let me know if you can help for Chop Chop and/or one of the many jobs on the day of Obon.
th Obon –July12 .
We will need volunteers for Friday, July 11 Chop chop at 8:30am Sushi rolling will begin at 7:30am on Saturday.
We will also need volunteers throughout the day on Saturday. Please let us know if we can put you on the schedule.
We all have so much fun helping for Obon. It’s a crazy time, but so much fun to work hard and get to know members of the Sangha better. I hope to see you for dance practices (see schedule beginning June 30th at 7pm) and at Obon events.
In gassho,
Cindy Yamada Thomas
801-244-9067
BWA membership is open to all Temple members who would like to join.
2025 Hatsubon
Geraldine Chappell (SLC) 6/30 1952 - 7/28 2024
Kazuko Yakumo (SLC) 8/12 1935 - 9/28 2024
Joe Sueoka (SLC) 10/19 1931 - 9/26 2024
Kayo Hayakawa (SLC) 7/14 1922 - 11/19/2024
Buster Mayeda (SLC) 8/25 1929 - 12/29/2024
Bob Kazutaka Sugino (SLC) 7/12 1930 - 5/1 2025
From the Board: The Sports Entertainment District and Our Properties
Lately there has been a lot of media attention on the new sports entertainment district that is being developed on what is currently the Salt Palace Convention Center property. The project directly impacts both the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple (SLBT) and the Japanese Church of Christ (JCC). In addition, there is a secondary impact on 100 South or what is now called Japantown Street.
To understand what is happening we need to look back at actions that were taken more than 20 years ago. The Salt Palace expansion that occurred in the early 2000’s resulted in the massive loading dock across the street from the SLBT and the high walled structure surrounding the JCC. In an effort to mitigate these impacts, a group called the Japanese Community Preservation Committee was organized by Jani Iwamoto and Raymond Uno. They managed to get the City to officially recognize the street as Japantown Street and the County to establish a Japanese Garden next to the JCC and make Japanese themed design elements on the loading dock. Perhaps more importantly this effort led to the City and the County recognizing Japantown as a real place with its own history.
In 2017-2018 the Block 67 project operated by the Ritchie Group (RG) was underway to develop the entire block where SLBT sits to be multi-use with housing, hotels and restaurants including a mid-block street that could support the ever expanding convention center and Delta Center activities. Both churches fought to preserve Japantown street and protect the churches from being negatively impacted. Despite our efforts the results were that a garbage loading dock area was placed directly across the street from the JCC. A positive outcome was that both of the two parking lots owned by JCC and SLBT were updated by the developer with a new surface and drainage. Another positive outcome was that Salt Lake City with the help of the JA community created the Japantown Streetscape project. This is a new design for the street that would accommodate festivals and religious activities, be visually identifiable as Japantown street and implement traffic calming making the street safer.
In 2023 a new Sports Entertainment District was proposed by the new owner of the Utah Jazz. The Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) proposed a takeover of the two blocks east of the Delta Center. This includes the block where the JCC is located. Recently, Salt Lake County sold the property where the convention center exhibition space currently sits to SEG. There will soon be major demolition to that building including the loading dock across the street from the Temple. Also Third West will be rebuilt to pass under a pedestrian bridge. When completed the project will connect the Delta Center to the City Creek mall through the Sports Entertainment District.
Salt Lake City has decided to begin moving forward with the Japantown Streetscape project and has engaged GSBS Architects to complete the final design. The city is performing engineering studies to determine what needs to be done to rebuild the street. Several board members are attending the design meetings.
The SLBT board of directors has been closely monitoring the situation and several members have been assigned to represent the temple to the City, County and State. The board has assembled a four person team to assess the opportunities and risks associated with the future development of our properties. We have three separate parcels, the Temple, the West Wing and our far west parking lot. This four person team is composed of Dean Hirabayashi, Brent Koga, Troy Watanabe and Rolen Yoshinaga. The team has two main objectives, first is to create a plan that would result in the long term stability of the Temple in both financial and ecclesiastical functions. Second, is to enhance the viability of Japantown Street. The team has been meeting with all of the concerned parties including the JCC, SEG, RG, the City and the County. At the present time, the team has made no recommendations to the board on what should be done.
The board is doing its best to keep up with this fast moving and multifaceted situation. As new information becomes available we will be reporting on it in the monthly newsletter.
2025 SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIPS
These members contributed $1400 per member in this premier membership category.
Carl Dennison
Natalie Jensen Brohamer
Brian Fukushima
Lynne Doi
Tammy Park
Carmela Javellana Hirano
Craige Mayeda
Junko Mitsunaga
Reiko Mitsunaga
Marcus Miya
Karie Minaga-Miya
Norris Nagao
Paul Terashima
Kathy Terashima
Cindy Yamada Thomas
Byron Watanabe
Reiko Watanabe
2025 PAID MEMBERSHIPS
Received 5/28/2025 - 6/25/2025. Dharma School children not listed.
Elaine Fukushima Sakiko Taguchi
MAY - JUNE 2025 DONATIONS
(Received & Deposited 5/28/2025 - 6/25/2025. Last USPS mail pickup was 6/21/2025.
Dana Campaign
Troy & Ashley Holbrook 100 Byron & Reiko Watanabe 6,000
Obon
Thomas Endo 100 Craige Mayeda 100
Troy & Ashley Holbrook 250 Jeanette Misaka 50
Bob Kasubuchi 30 William & Joanne Hirase Stacey 100
Brent & Sherrie Koga 50
Carl Dennison 500 In memory of Yuriko Dennison
Greg Sueoka 1,000 Obon Platinum Sponsorhip
JACL Credit Union 150 Obon Volunteer Sponsorship
Shotsuki Hoyo In memory of:
Mickey & Gina Morinaka 50 Chogoro Nakamura
Elaine Fukushima 100 Frank Ling Fukushima
Sherrie Hayashi 50 Fumi Fujii
Rolen & Dawn Yoshinaga 100 Helen Yoshinaga
Rolen & Dawn Yoshinaga 100 Roy Yoshinaga
Bob Kasubuchi 30 John Kasubuchi
Lynne Doi 30 Kanta Fujimoto
Tosh & Jean Shiba 50 Karen Shiba
Mikio Moriyasu 150 Kazuko Terasawa
Ray Nishikawa & Diane Akiyama 50 May Akiyama
Tosh & Jean Shiba 50 Mike Shiba
Lynn & Marilyn Shimada 50 Misuko Shimada
anonymous 100 Ron Kano
Keirokai Senior Lunches
Phillip & Connie Sakashita 100
BWA
Byron & Reiko Watanabe 400
YBA
Byron & Reiko Watanabe 400
YBA Sunshine Trip
Byron & Reiko Watanabe 400
Dharma School
Byron & Reiko Watanabe 400
Troop 442
Byron & Reiko Watanabe 400
Temple General Donations
Fumio & Pam Mayeda 50
Lori Yamauchi 40
cash 36 Helen Mitsunaga 1-Year Memorial
Jim & Faye Eng 50 Helen Mitsunaga 1-Year Memorial
Junko Mitsunaga 100 Helen Mitsunaga 1-Year Memorial
Reiko Mitsunaga 100 Helen Mitsunaga 1-Year Memorial
Reiko Mitsunaga 100 Helen Mitsunaga 1-Year Memorial
Steven K. Mugleston 100 Helen Mitsunaga 1-Year Memorial
Valerie Mugleston 50 Helen Mitsunaga 1-Year Memorial
Robert & Tami Tokita 300 Helen Mitsunaga 1-Year Memorial
Arlene Imada Wade 50 Helen Mitsunaga 1-Year Memorial
Emily Rasmussen, Lunden & Jude 30 Helen Mitsunaga 1-Year Memorial
Mark & Gail Minaga 30 Memorial Day
Mikio Moriyasu 100 Hanamatsuri
Upcoming Opportunities for Temple Donations
Major and minor Buddhist holidays/celebrations are listed here. Suggested donations based upon past donation averages.
Keirokai Senior Lunches - any amount appreciated to purchase or prepare lunches for some of our senior members. Keiko Mimai (Obon Practice) - $25+
Obon Donations - See details in this newsletter for various ways to donate. Thank you!
To make donations, make checks payable to the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple and mail to: Attn: Robert Tokita
Salt Lake Buddhist Temple
211 West 100 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Alternative method, using PayPal, Credit Card or Debit Card:
Go to our website, slbuddhist.org, and click on the "Donate" button.
On the payment screen, click on the "write a note" button and indicate what the donation is for. This donation method is starting to pick up steam, thank you!
Check that your donations are listed
After you make a donation, check to make sure that your check clears and that your donation is listed here. If not, please contact Robert Tokita. Leave a text message or voicemail at 801-231-6699 or send an email to robert.tokita@gmail.com.
2025 Major memorial services and Shotsuki memorial service
Shotsuki Memorial Service is a general memorial service held monthly to remember members and friends of the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple who passed away during the month in which it is held. During these services, the temple will list the names of those members who have died during the month in the preceding years. These services are not meant to replace the services at pre-described intervals (1-yr., 3rd-yr., 7th-yr., 13th-yr., 17th-yr., etc. see chart below). for individuals held separately by families. The numbers or the years of service are using the “kaiki” which begins first year as 1 and second year as third year. To schedule a private memorial service please contact Rev. Hirano
2025 I year
2023 3 year
2019 7 year
2013 13 year
2009 17 year
2001 25 year
1993 33 year
1976 50 year
1926 100 year
Memorial services are held often according to our Buddhist tradition. In our annual calendar of events, major memorial services honoring members include the Eitaikyo Service and the Obon Service. The Memorial Service in our Jodo Shinshu tradition, although held in honor of the deceased, is received as an opportunity given to us by the persons we honor, to encounter and to listen to the teachings of the Buddha. Through remembrances of our family members and friends passed on, and through the Dharma, we are able to reflect on our daily life.
June 2025 Shotsuki Hoyo
First Name
Last Name
Date of Death
George Akimoto 07/21/2014
Mary Aramaki 07/30/2021
Yoshio Beppu 07/25/1955
Daiji Fujii
Maxine Noriko Furubayashi 07/25/2016
Masuta Hasegawa 07/01/1981
Henry Hirano 07/29/2011
Tasaku Kameda 07/14/1984
Becky Konishi 07/14/1991
Isamu Lawrence Konishi 07/01/1991
Jeanne Konishi 07/24/2021
Rowena Ling 07/21/2007
Kanji Matsuda 07/01/1963
Richard Matsuda 07/05/2022
Kaoru Matsumiya 07/01/1954
Tome Matsumori 07/12/1986
Yosaku Matsuura 07/31/1940
Yoshiko Mayeda Kido 07/23/2016
Jiro Mochizuki
Roy Kazuo Nishida 07/10/2003
Ken Ogura 07/20/2007
Shoichi Okino 07/31/1989
Lloyd Ryujin 07/18/2019
Rev. Shintatsu Sanada 07/06/1982
Shozo Sasaki 07/01/1973
Tome Satomura 07/20/1986
Kizo Sugino 07/28/1952
Kimiyo Sumida 07/09/1995
Roy Naosaburo Tachiki 07/16/2001
Yukiyei Tadehara 07/22/1998
Heizo Tohinaka 07/15/1953
Helen Yagi 07/17/2019
Hoshiro Yamaguchi 07/14/1991