KOBOJI 弘法寺
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  • Home
  • About
    • About Us >
      • History >
        • Ehime Maru Memorial
      • Ministers & Advisors
    • Membership >
      • Koboji Minnyo Kai
      • Group Tours
    • Visit & Contact
  • Visit
    • First Time Visitors
    • Services
    • Annual Services >
      • March - Haru Higan
      • June - Aoba Matsuri
      • July - Obon 2024
  • News
  • Resources
    • End-of-Life Resources
    • Yakudoshi & Kanreki
    • Disposing of Old Buddhist Altars
    • Visiting Koyasan & Sanboin
    • Visiting Japan Temples
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Although we cannot see them, our ancestors are duly at our sides. They are watching over us, and it is because of them that our families may be happy. 

We invite you to remember your loved ones and to participate in our Obon services.

Schedule & Information

Information is subject to change. Please check back before your visit.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
  • 7:00pm: Bon Dance Practice
Friday, July 12, 2024
  • 6:30pm Yagura Prayer Service
  • 7:00pm Bon Dance
Saturday, July 13, 2024
  • 4:00pm Hatsu Bon Service
  • 6:30pm Yagura Prayer Service
  • 7:00pm Bon Dance
Sunday, July 14, 2023
  • 9:00am Obon, Segaki, and Hatsu Bon Service

Bon Dance

Koboji's 2024 Bon Dance will be held on Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 13. 
Dances will be led by Koboji Minnyo Kai, Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai, and Ryusenji Yagura Gumi. 
The food booth will open by 5:30pm on Friday and following the Hatsu Bon service on Saturday. Cash only, please.
Koboji Minnyo Kai Information & Practices
Learn more about the temple's group by 
clicking here. If you would like to inquire about group membership or practices, please contact the temple office and leave a message for the instructors. ​Practices and beginner classes are held weekly beginning in February.
Bon Dance Sched

Obon Prayer & Toba Requests

Prayers may be requested for either an individual (e.g. John Abe) or an ancestral family (e.g. Abe Family Ancestors). A minister will create a toba for each of your requests using the information that you provide. During the Obon service, ministers will read the toba to call the spirits to the temple so that the congregation may offer prayers and energy.
Each toba is made of wood and has five levels corresponding to the five elements of the world according to Shingon Buddhist faith: earth, water, fire, wind, and sky. The shape, Siddham characters, and rituals hold deep levels of symbolism and meaning.
Please involve your family in your toba requests, especially the younger generation, so that they may know the significance of this annual observance. We hope that you will also join us for the Obon services to make your offerings. The Obon service on Sunday, July 14, at 9am will have a seating area on the first floor for those who are unable to climb the steps.
Toba are carefully written by the ministers so we ask that toba requests be received by June 24, 2024. Requests will not be taken on the day of the service.
Obon Prayer / Toba Memorial Tablet Requests
If you would like to request a toba be prepared for your ancestors, please complete a form below. View instructions to complete the form here.
toba request form

Hatsu Bon

Hatsu Bon refers to a loved one’s first Obon after they pass away. Hatsu Bon families are invited to participate in these services to offer candles, incense, and food to ensure your loved one’s happiness in the next world. Each Hatsu Bon family is called up to make these offerings. Although Saturday’s service is especially for Hatsu Bon families, those families may attend either service. 
​​Information for the Hatsu Bon services will automatically be sent to Hatsu Bon families if funeral rites were conducted by Koboji's ministers. If you would like to request a Hatsu Bon prayer for your loved one, please indicate your request on the toba request form. You may also contact the office to confirm your participation.
Those who passed away between May 21, 2023, to May 26, 2024, are greeting their Hatsu Bon.  These dates are determined by the temple's bon service dates. For temples other than Koboji, please consult with your temple's office for the appropriate hatsu bon dates.

Parking

Parking for services is available in Koboji's parking lots, which can be accessed from Lo'i Kalo Lane. Lo'i Kalo Lane is immediately east (Diamond Head side) of Mexico Restaurant on School Street. Please use caution as Loi Kalo Lane is a narrow one-lane driveway.
The gravel parking lot on the ewa side of the temple will be reserved for Hatsu Bon families on Saturday, July 13, from 3-5pm. Please reserve this lot for families coming to the Hatsu Bon service so that they may pay their respects to their loved ones.
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BON DANCE PARKING AT DAMIEN
On-site parking for bon dance is extremely limited. Parking for Bon Dance will be available at Damien Memorial School on Friday and Saturday nights. The Damien parking lot will be available on Friday from 5-11pm and Saturday from 3-11pm. Please be courteous to our neighbors at Damien and ensure you are out of the lot by 11pm.

Damien Memorial School is located at 1401 Houghtailing Street and is a short five minute walk to Koboji.

Private Obon Services

Please contact the office if you would like to request a private Obon service for your ancestors. Private services can be held in the temple hall or in front of the downstairs auxiliary altar. Services may be attended by the family or conducted by the minister alone.
During a private Obon service, the minister will invite your ancestors to join with the Buddhas and noble deities in the temple hall. After the recitation of sutras, the minister will symbolically collect your offerings and share it with your ancestors in prayer for their peace and protection.
Please contact the temple office at 808-841-7033 or [email protected] if you would like to inquire or to schedule a private obon service.

Bon Dance Volunteers & Donations

Donations are being accepted for food booth and mini-bazaar. A list of requests is posted in the temple hall. You may also contact the office for a list of requested items.
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