Remembering Aigoro Uyeno (1894-1992)
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RIGHT NOW, we’re working to restore the Temple of the Hakalau Jodo Mission. This is a good time to remember Aigoro Uyeno, the carpenter foreman in 1936 when the temple was erected. He was the master craftsman for our temple and is listed on the munafuda.
As we replace various termite damaged plywood, we see the artistry of the original construction.
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Aigoro Uyeno, originally from Hiroshima, was adopted by a childless couple, Ichinouke and Kiku Uyeno. The family immigrated to Hawaii when Aigoro was 18. However, due to illness, he was not able to travel with them and was required to stay behind. He arrived in Hawaii in March of 1913 at the age of 19.
While waiting to travel to Hawaii and left alone in Tokyo, he met a kind geisha. She gave him a job of applying make-up to actors and putting on plays. This knowledge came in handy later in Hawaii when he helped with community plays. Below is a photo currently displayed in the Hakalau Jodo Mission Social Hall. NOTE: We don’t know whether Aigoro Uyeno is in this picture.
While waiting to travel to Hawaii and left alone in Tokyo, he met a kind geisha. She gave him a job of applying make-up to actors and putting on plays. This knowledge came in handy later in Hawaii when he helped with community plays. Below is a photo currently displayed in the Hakalau Jodo Mission Social Hall. NOTE: We don’t know whether Aigoro Uyeno is in this picture.
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He finally made it to Hawaii where he worked for a very short time for a sugar plantation, probably Laupahoehoe. He went to school and learned carpentry. He spent his career as an independent carpenter, plumber, and painter mostly in the Ninole, Laupahoehoe, Hakalau, and Honomu areas.
From our munafuda, we know he was the carpenter foreman for the Hakalau Jodo Mission, built in the Indian-Western style. |
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From a newspaper article (Hawaii Tribune Herald, February 25, 1939), we know that he was the carpenter foreman for the Honohina Hongwanji, built in a style typical of temples in Japan at the time. (https://www.hakalauhome.com/honohina-hongwanji.html)
His son, Harold Uyeno, current President of the Honohina Hongwanji, thinks his father also built Honohina’s branch temple in Ninole in 1927 that now serves as the Honohina Papaaloa Hongwanji. This temple is built in the plantation style.
His son, Harold Uyeno, current President of the Honohina Hongwanji, thinks his father also built Honohina’s branch temple in Ninole in 1927 that now serves as the Honohina Papaaloa Hongwanji. This temple is built in the plantation style.
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Aigoro and his family, including 10 children, lived in Ninole just beyond the northern boundary of the Hakalau Plantation, i.e., beyond Mile Marker 20. They were strong members of Honohina Hongwanji.
Aigoro Uyeno lived a long and happy life. We are grateful for his many talents and contributions to the community. |
From Left to Right: Aigoro Uyeno, age 84; wife Takiyo Uyeno; daughter Velma Uyeno. Photo taken in 1978, provided courtesy of Harold Uyeno.
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