San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin

Location

Narration

Narrated by: Bria & Emily

Images

Audio Transcript

Hi! This is Bria and Emily. You are here standing in front of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin.

In the early 1900’s, San Jose Japantown leaders and ministers from Kyoto, Japan started a group which lead to the first San Jose Hongwanji Buddhist Church located on 5th Street. In 1908, two very important events happened: the first was the Buddhist Women’s Association (Fujinkai) was formed. This group gave women a greater voice in church activities and policies. The second event was the creation of a Japanese language school. The temple was rebuilt in 1937 by the Nishiura brothers just north of the old church. Sometimes it is a place to have a funeral for loved ones or a wedding. Other times it is a place for church service and ceremonies. During the service people Oshoko. Oshoko is when you put incense into a burner bowl, put your hands together and bow your head. Namu Amida Butsu is said three times at the end of a chant. Namu Amida Butsu means “I take refuge in Amida Buddha.”

Over one thousand families belong to the church. Some of them go to Dharma School, sing in the choir, go to Japanese Language school or Lotus Preschool, or belong to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. This church means a lot to many people including our Girl Scout Troop 60260. The temple is one of the most distinguishable buildings in San Jose Japantown, and is an important landmark that should be preserved.

Fun Facts

• The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin has one of the largest Obon Festivals in the USA with over 1300 dancers participating.
• The San Jose Buddhist Church stored belongings for Japanese American families who were sent to internment camp during World War Two.
• The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin is located in one of only three remaining Japantowns in the United States.