For information about the 2023 bon dance, click here.

Koboji Minnyo Kai

The Koboji Minnyo Kai was founded by Archbishop Dean Zenei Okimura. Members of the club preserve the different styles of dance that are performed during the annual Bon Kuyo Odori (Bon Dance). We pass on the many teachings and advice that Dean Sensei entrusted us with. Practices for temple members are held periodically in the downstairs hall. Please contact the office for more information, including details for public practices.

For information about Koboji's observances for Obon, please click here.

Group Founder: Archbishop Dean Zenei Okimura
Group Leader: Reverend Bryan Zenju Yanagihara
Instructor: Ms. Sharon Isa
Instructor Emerita: Ms. Michie Takemoto
Email: koboji@hawaiiantel.net

Archbishop Dean Zenei Okimura, founder of Koboji Minnyo Kai

Koboji Minnyo Kai Dance List

• Iroha Uta*
• Daishi Ondo
• Do-re-mi-fa Daijyobu
• Electric Boogie
• Gingira Paradise
• Hana Wa Saku
• Kawachi Otoko Bushi
• Matsuri Da Yo
• Miruku Munari
• Naniwa Iroha Bushi
• Odoru Ponpokurin
• Oedo Poluka
• Osakana Tengoku
• Ou Enka Ikemasu
• Pokemon Ondo
• PPAP
• Sekai No Hitotsu Dake No Hana
• Shimanchu Nu Takara
• Tanko Bushi
• Tomorrow
• Tokyo Ondo
• Tsubasa No Oreta Angel
• Yeah
• Yoshakoi

Koyasan Shingon Shu Shuka: Iroha Uta
The song of Koyasan Shingon Shu is Iroha Uta. It is a song beloved by many people. The lyrics were written by Kobo Daishi in the Heian Period. It is famous for using all the Japanese kana without repeating any. The poem writes about the four truths of Buddhist philosophy called catur-arya-satya (skrt.).
We begin each practice with Iroha Uta as a tribute to Kobo Daishi.

Iroha Uta
As the scent of flowers shall scatter away,
Who would be everlasting in our world,
Climbing over a deep mountain full of vicissitudes today,
I shall neither have shallow dreams nor be intoxicated.

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