The Years Between World Wars, 1921-1937

During the years between World Wars, under the leadership of Ministers Soga, Itakura, and Yamanaka, the Hakalau Jodo Mission continued to grow and support the community through the Japanese Language School and Church. In the 1920's, Japanese language schools across the Territory came under attack in during a surge of "America First" mentality that began during World War I. This started with the Federal Commission on Education noting that Hawaii had 163 Japanese language schools educating nearly 20,000 students. The sentiment among haoles in the early 1920's was that such education was detrimental to the health of Nisei children and their progress in American schools was retarded and their loyalty to the United States was confused and neglected.  Japanese immigrants felt that continuation of the Japanese language schools was essential:
  • Uneasy parents saw their offspring becoming cultural hybrids in Hawaii without knowledge of Japanese culture or language; they felt their children needed a proper Japanese education. After all, the possibility still existed, no matter how remote, that the family would one day leave Hawaii and return to Japan. Other Japanese spoke in support of the language schools because of a belief that such institutions were valuable for the Americanization process. (Source: Dennis M. Ogawa, Kodomo no tame ni: For the sake of the children, The University of Hawaii Press, 1978,  p. 142-143)
A compromise position between the Federal Commission’s recommendations and the concerns of the Japanese community was the Irwin Bill (1920) which required that language school teachers receive a permit from the Department of Public Instruction and pledge to teach nothing which would contradict American ideals or institutions. Over the next few years, a tax and additional restrictions were placed on Japanese language schools. Finally, Frederick Kinzaburo Makino, editor of the Hawaii Hochi, contested the language school control bill in the courts...and won:
  • In an unexpected maneuver, the defenders of the language schools in 1925 took the litigation out of the Territorial courts and filed in the United States District Court. After legal battles and appeals, the United States Supreme Court rendered a decision on February 21, 1927, which struck down the Territorial Legislature’s language school control laws as unconstitutional. The decision was based fundamentally on the fact that the “Japanese parent has the right to direct his own child without unreasonable restriction” and that the Territorial laws sought to control the schools “for no adequate reason. (Source: Dennis M. Ogawa, Kodomo no tame ni: For the sake of the children, The University of Hawaii Press, 1978,  p. 146)

​1920-1921: A period of maintenance for the Hakalau Jodo Mission Under Minister Soga Tetsuzui

Fifth Minister Soga Tetsuzui originally came to Hawaii in 1907, and then temporarily returned to Japan. Upon his return to Hawaii in 1916 he became an assistant minister at the church. In July 1920, after Minister Tachikawa’s resignation, he became the head minister and was joined by his wife Tomiko. However, Tomiko passed away in February 1921, which led him to resign and return home to Japan in September of that year.
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Fifth Minister Soga Tetsuzui, 1920-1921

​1921-1929: A New Japanese Language School Built and the Fujinkai (Ladies' Association) and Sunday School Launched Under Minister Itakura Ryokai

Sixth Minister Itakura Ryokai had been the resident minister of the Lahaina church from April 1920 until becoming  the Sixth Minister of the Hakalau Jodo Mission in 1921 after Minister Soga’s resignation.  His wife Shizue arrived in Hakalau the following year.
 
He built a new Japanese language school building (see picture below), founded Fujinkai (Ladies’ Association), and launched Sunday School in 1927. On June 19, 1929 he resigned. To replace Minister Itakura, Kuwayama Ko-in was stationed temporarily but requested to be dismissed from the position. ​
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Sixth Minister Itakura Ryokai, 1921-1929
The new building for the Japanese Language School was erected in 1927.
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This photo hangs in the temple at the current Hakalau Jodo Mission, probably around 1934 just before the old Japanese Language School was demolished. Rev. Yamanaka sits in the front row directly in line with the center of the steps. The building on the left, constructed in 1927, was the new Japanese Language School. Later it became the plantation personnel office (later the ILWU office) and as well as the the Japanese language school and also served as the aikido studio. Source: copy of photo currently hanging in the Hakalau Jodo Mission
By 1929, all of the students of the Japanese Language School are wearing western attire in their official picture.
1929 picture of the Hakalau Jodo Mission and Japanese Language School and students from the Waichi Ouye Collection, courtesy of his family.
Left to right: 1st Row: ?, ?, Taeko Tadokoro, Sadame Yoshimura, Masako Hirata, Masako Fujimoto, Rev. Itakura, Mrs. (Rev) Itakura,
Akiko Morikawa, ? Yokoyama, Haruyo Hashimoto, Shigeko Shiraishi, Tomeyo Yoshida, Kaoru Tawara;
2nd Row: ? Fukunaga, Yasuhiro Uyechi, Waichi Ouye, Hiyokichi Fujioka, Katsutaro Yoshida, Hideo Ochiai, Yukio Hamada, Henry Urasaki, Kazuo Yamamoto, Toraichi Morikawa, Satoshi Fujinaga, Takuma Mizuguchi, Hajime Nishioka, Yoshikazu Kishimori, Shuichi Furuyama,
Tsutamo Tawara, Hoichi Uyeda, Toshio Hamada, ?Yoshimura, Masao Mizuguchi;
3rd Row: Susumu Kimura, Kazumi Ueda, Takeo Okazaki, Hiroshi Ikawa, Tadashi Nishioka, Makoto Tawara, Harold Noboru Fujimoto, Shigeharu Furusho, Masao Mihara, Masami Uyeda, Sadakichi Yoshida, Kaoru Mizuguchi, Terumi Koga, Yutaka Hirata, Naotaka Hiroshige,
Shigeo Nishiyama, Masao Oshiro.

1929-1937: The Current Mission including the Temple, Social Hall and Parsonage Built to Replace the Wooden Church and Japanese Language School Under Minister Yamanaka Ryokai 

In 1928, Yamanaka Ryokai was assigned to be an assistant minister in Hakalau and came to the church with his wife Yoshi. He was appointed to be the resident minister on August 26, 1929. During his time he demolished the old building and newly built the existing two story church (with Social Hall downstairs) and a new minister’s residence building, which are the currently existing buildings.
 
He resigned in April 1937 and went home to Japan.

​During Seventh Minister Yamanaka's time in Hakalau, The Light on the Ocean was published, including a description of Hakalau (page 63): ​
The northeast coast faces the Pacific Ocean and has a train as transportation. It is a base of major sugar cane plantation of 3,500 acres. It has 350 Japanese families. It is a vast land for the mission.
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Seventh Minister Ryokai Yamanaka, 1929-1937
The Reverend Yamanaka
He was born in Kozutsumi, Shinohara village, Yasu county, Shiga prefecture, became a minister at Hozen-ji temple in Shinohara village in the area. He was initiated on February 23, 1912, registered on March 19th. On November 25, 1925 he was ordained, and on February 10, 1926, he became a minister at Hozen-ji temple in Shinohara village in Shiga prefecture. On August 7, 1928 he became the minister of Hawaii Jodo-shu and was assigned to Hakalau Church. On August 26 of the following year, he was appointed as a resident minister of the church and has worked diligently for the mission. 
 
Mrs. Yamanaka
She was born in Fukui prefecture, graduated from Women’s Teacher School after finishing Fukui prefectural Women’s High School and obtained license as a registered teacher. She was appointed as a Hawaii missionary assistant in 1928. She has been the resident missionary at Hakalau Church since then.
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Rev. Yamanaka and his wife as shown in the 1934 publication, The Light on the Ocean, page 64. Translation to the left.
The Japanese Language School
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Hakalau Japanese Language School 30th Anniversary, circa 1934. Honorees (left side): front row from left to right: Mr. Koya, Mr. Miyashiro, Mr, Yokoyama; back row; Mr. Fujinaga, and Mr. Kikuchi. Others in Attendance (right): Mr. and Mrs. John M. Ross, Mr. and Mrs. George Ross, and Rev. and Mrs. Yamanaka. Source: copy of photo currently hanging in the Hakalau Jodo Mission.
For information about the individuals above, click on the highlighted names: Mr. Koya, Mr. Miyashiro, Mr. Yokoyama, Mr. Fujinaga, Mr. Kikuchi, Mr. and Mrs. John Ross, Mr. and Mr. George Ross, Rev. and Mrs. Yamanaka.
Light on the Ocean, a celebration of the Jodo Shu in Hawaii was published in 1934. The section on Hakalau includes pictures of the Japanese Language School and showcases 28 church members and their families. ​
Note: The picture above, dated 1934) shows the temple, dormitory and language school/meeting space in the building to the right. The building to the left also supported the language school and, in addition, in later years continued as the language school and also served as the aikido studio and ILWU office. The current Hakalau Jodo Mission is in about the same place as the building on the right. The building on the left was demolished much later (date to be determined) and only the concrete steps remain.
Prominent Church Members and Their Families
Two of the church members featured in The Light on the Ocean were born in Hawaii, all others immigrated from Japan: 29% from Okinawa, 21% from Yamaguchi, 14% from Kumamoto, and 11% from Wakayama Prefectures. Most immigrated to Hawaii between 1902-1910, although 4 came between 1895-1899.  Most arrived in Hawaii age ages between 18-28. ​Learn more about these church members and their families by clicking on the names below:

Note: There can be multiple versions of names translated from kanji. To assist families in identifying their ancestors, below are listed the kanji as presented in the 1934 publication, along with the translation and possible variations.
A decision is made to build a new temple.
 
In 1936, Rev. Yamanaka and members of the temple decided to build a new temple, social hall, parsonage, dining hall and community kitchen. When the decision was made to build a new temple (or do something that costs a great deal of money), the Japanese practice was to make a wish, or ganshu, to the Buddha.  The ganshu below represents all those making the wish.
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Ganshu for the new Hakalau Jodo Mission (1936). This framed petition is in the temple at the Hakalau Jodo Mission.
Translation of the Ganshu for the New Hakalau Jodo Mission:
 
The 35th Anniversary and the Three Ministers’ Anniversary of Passing
The New Church Building Construction Committee Members
 
Honorary Director                John Ross [Plantation Manager]
Honorary Vice Director       George Ross [Plantation Assistant Manager]
 
Director                                Kikujiro Yokoyama
                                                Kanesaburo Fujinaga
                                                Toyoji Kikuchi
                                                Yososhichi Ito
 
Construction Committee
Chairman                                Satoru Kurisu
Vice chairman                         Toraichi Morikawa
Vice chairman                         Toyomi Okaji
Treasurer                                 Tomeo Kawamoto
Treasurer                                 Shiuchi Yamamoto
Secretary                                 Jintaro Tonokawa
Secretary                                 Jiro Nakasato
Secretary (English)                 Hideo Kunishi
Auditor                                    Denzo Matsuda
Auditor                                    Genjiro Shimabukuro
Auditor                                    Gosaku Nishiyama
 
Local chief
Kamae Mauka                         Kozuchi Yamamoto
Kamae Mauka                         Montaro (Ketsutaro?) Nakaza
Chinchuck                               Sukesaku Ishiki
Stable                                      Ushi Teruya
Hakalau Lower Kamae           Toshizo Sugimoto
Wai-Lea                                  Matsushige Uehara
Umauma                                 Yoichi Nishimoto
Umauma                                 Keitaro Tanaka
Class Reunion chief                Hideo Ochiai
Meisho YBA                           Kaoru Mizuguchi
 
Local committee members
Hakalau                                   Masujiro Matsunami               Tsunemitsu Umei
                                                Denichiro Matsumoto              Mitsuji Udo
                                                Heikichi Fujioka                       Seizaburo (Kiyosaburo?) Muramatsu
                                                Shotaro Shimizu                      Yotaro Kimura
 
Wai-Lea                                 Sadataka Adachi                     Ukichi Uratani
                                                Yonejiro Wada                        Toku Kobashigawa
 
Chinchuck                               Fuju Hirakawa                        Wazo Kanna
                                                Chokichi Nakamura
 
Stable                                     Kana Takara                             Kana Uehara
                                                Tarusuke Shimabukuro           Toki Arakaki
                                                Maja
 
Kamae mauka                         Yoshiaki Motoishi                  Keikichi (Ekichi?) Kitano
                                                Moichi (Shigeichi?) Kumabe Seitoku Higa
                                                Gama Nakamura                     Tamotsu Yoshizumi
 
Umauma                                 Shoichi Hamada                     Soichi (Shuichi?) Yoshimura
                                                Shinichi Saito                         Shochi Higa
 
Honohina                                Hatsuo Fuji                             Kihachi Miyashiro
                                                Makoto Tawara                       Kanichi Hamada
Yokokawa
 
Lower Kamae                        Ryotoku Shiroma                    Shigeru Sakata
                                               Tokujiro Saruwatari               
 
Honomū                                 Tadasuke Muranaka               Kamenosuke Takata (Takada?)
                                               Jisaku Kawamura                   Kinzo Matsubara
                                               Mitsuyoshi                              Otokichi Yamachika
 
Others                                    Tokichi Sueno                         Shigeharu Furusho
                                                Sadakichi Yoshida                  Mitsuo Kihara
                                                Kazuo Yamamoto                   Gashin Mizuguchi
                                                Shigeo Kawamoto
 
Desired and pledged on April 4, 1936
Ground-breaking ceremony on June 21, 1936
Completion and Buddha Statue Installation on December 6, 1936
Temple petitioner: the 7th minister Nenyo Ryokai Yamanaka 
The Munafuda
 
When a Japanese temple is being constructed, a munafuda is created and placed between the roof and the ceiling. It includes a blessing for the temple and identifies the individuals involved in its building, whether through financing or actual design and construction. At the ceremony called Jyotoshiki, the priest prays in front of the munafuda. This is a prayer that acknowledges the completion of the framework of the building. 
 
During an inspection of the buildings at Hakalau Jodo Mission in April 2018, the inspector located the munafuda in the attic of the temple, attached to the apex of the roof.
Front of munafuda depicting the blessing. Photos taken by Jake Bierman, April 3, 2018, during site inspection.
Translation of front side of Munafuda :
 
FRAMEWORK-RISING
Yafune-no-ookami god
Gogyo mikami god
Long time Protection of the church
December 6, 1936
Director Toyoji Kikuchi
Minister Ryokai Yamanaka
Back side of munafuda identifying key builders. Photos taken by Jake Bierman, April 3, 2018, during site inspection.
​Translation of back side of Munafuda:

Carpenter Foreman Aigoro Ueno
Construction Chief Yososhichi Ito
Petitioner the 7th Minister Ryokai Yamanaka
Construction Committee Chairman Satoru Kurisu
Vice Chairman Toraichi Morikawa
Vice Chairman Toyomi Okaji
Treasurer Tomeo Kawamoto
Treasurer Shuichi Yamamoto
Director Toyoji Kikuchi
Director Kanesaburo Fujinaga
June 21, 1936
The Dedication of the New Hakalau Jodo Mission ​
​The newly constructed Hakalau Jodo Mission was dedicated on December 6, 1936. First, there was a procession that passed by the home of plantation manager John M. Ross, followed by a gathering at the Mission. 

The Hawaii Mainichi of December 5, 1936 describes the procession planned for the following day:
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The Hawaii Mainichi, December 5, 1936, provided courtesy of Rev. Yamanaka of Japan, grandson of Rev. Yamanaka, Seventh Minister of Hakalau Jodo Mission from 1929-1937.
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Hawaii Tribune Herald, December 5, 1936, accessed via Newspapers.com
Photos from the Waichi Ouye Collection, courtesy of his family.
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December 6, 1936. Opening Ceremony of the new Jodo Mission building and placing of the buddah. Also celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Jodo Mission and a memorial service for the Jodo Shu founder, and second and third ministers. Note that the new building is in the same location as the previous one. Source: copy of photo currently hanging in the Hakalau Jodo Mission.
​The Hawaii Mainichi, December 5, 1936, provided courtesy of Rev. Yamanaka of Japan, grandson of Rev. Yamanaka, Seventh Minister of Hakalau Jodo Mission from 1929-1937.
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Hakalau Jodo Mission Japanese Language School Class of 1936 (8th Grade), Principal Rev. Ryokai Yamanaka.
​Sitting L to R: Tsurue Nishihira Nishioka, Leatrice Yamagata Mirikitani, Teruko Shinhara Robertson, Ritsuko Tatsuhara Togioka, Tamae Hirakawa Shindo, Yasuko Kuriso Kono, Shigeno Miyamoto Kishimoto, Midori Ogawa, Momoe Nakamura Ishihara, Sayoko Kikuchi Doi, Miss Tsuyako Yokoyama, teacher; Mrs. Yoshi Yamanaka, teacher; Akira Richard Yamanaka, Rev. Ryokai Yamanaka, principal; Miss Kimiko Takeoka Fujioka, teacher; Miyoko Kawamoto Okaji, Shizuko Odo Miyaki, Tsuyako Kimura Crivello, Fumiko Fujii, Sawayo Uratani Ono, Kaoru Mukai Goto, Kiyomi Okumura Shiraki, Hatsue Kobashigawa Akamine, Kikue Matsunami Irinaka, Yoshiko Harakuni Miyashiro Standing L to R: Toshiaki Morimoto, Masashi Sugimoto, Yoshito Nakamura, Yasuji Arakaki, Tamotsu Saito, Morio Yamamoto, Takeo Takeoka, Ichio Tonokawa, Kotatsu Bob Maja, Shigenobu Kanna, Masaharu Matayoshi, Satoru Inomoto
For the Hakalau Kuleana, our responsibility is to care for the land, the people, and the culture. We are guided by cultural values of YESTERDAY: Engage in collective effort. Look out for each other. Honor hard work. Show respect for those who came before us. Aloha and Mālama `Aina. In 2021, Akiko Masuda added two more values to the list: Consistently show up. Whatever has to be done, jump in and do it!