<Begin Segment 31>

[Translated from Japanese]

TY: I was told that 1954 was a special year for the Buddhist temple in Seattle. In that year the temple became "Betsuin"...

YI: Nineteen...

TY: Fifty-four.

YI: Then it was after we returned, wasn't it?

TY: Forty-five years ago. Yes, after you returned. I understand that the temple became Betsuin.

YI: Uh-huh.

TY: What kinds of things did you do?

YI: Betsuin is not much different from ordinary Buddhist temples. But the name sounds a bit superior. My husband said it was not necessary. Around here in North America, there are four or five Betsuin. They are big temples. Fresno, San Jose, Seattle, Los Angeles. There are about five of those. The others are simply called the Buddhist temples. Buddhist churches.

TY: Is it because of the size?

YI: Huh?

TY: Is it based on the size?

YI: Size?

TY: The size of the church.

YI: It's the same. It's just when it is Betsuin, the head of our temple, the very top of our organization, becomes also the head of Betsuin. It is called Gomonshu in Japanese. His temple's name will be added to Seattle temple's name. That's what Betsuin is.

TY: So then your husband became Rinban.

YI: Uh-huh.

TY: By the way, what is Rinban?

YI: Rinban is the head missionary of Betsuin. The position is called Rinban.

TY: So your husband became Rinban.

YI: Yes.

TY: Did he become Rinban because the temple became Betsuin?

YI: No. Betsuin has nothing to do with it.

TY: So what kinds of things did you do to celebrate?

YI: We did celebrate. We celebrated our becoming Betsuin.

TY: Do you remember how you celebrated?

YI: We had a big service and a bishop came.

TY: From Japan?

YI: No. Not from Japan. A bishop here. He is called Socho. He is in San Francisco. He came and officiated the service. With all the ministers present, it was a big service. Then we had a party.

TY: Your temple was rebuilt and has grown steadily.

YI: Uh-huh.

TY: The community was rebuilt and the Buddhist church became Betsuin. In 1960 your husband retired.

YI: What?

TY: It was 1960 when your husband retired, wasn't it?

YI: No. Later, probably 1961. Fifty... not yet sixty, but because he could not see well as a result of diabetes, he could not work. So he retired.

<End Segment 31> - Copyright © 1999 Densho. All Rights Reserved.