Orange County Buddhist Church celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special service and luncheon in the Multi-Purpose Building on November 16, 2025.  Bishop Harada and Freddie provided the Dharma Message and hosting ministers were Rev Wondra and Rev Turner.  Lunch was catered by Far Bar and our performance was preceded by OCBC's ukulele group, a video explaining the history and growth of the temple, and recognizing the many people that helped build up OCBC throughout its history.

We are grateful to have been joined by Stacy on vocals and Eugene on electric ukulele for a few songs on our playlist.  You can hear the set on our Music page.

Photos courtesy of Glen Tao

This year's Wine-A-Palooza event turned into a World Series game 7 watch party to enjoy the comeback victory for the Dodgers 5-4 over the tenacious Toronto Blue Jays.  After the game, the celebration continued with music and magic to go with the plentiful wine.  This event featured the band's vocalists + guitar for more intimate performance.  Photos courtesy of Glen Tao.

Thank you to the Wanjettes for inviting us to perform for their big event on November 1.  They offered delicious Huli Huli Chicken, Huli Huli Ribs, Drinks, Beer, Desserts, Raffle, Bingo, and our famous taiko group LA Taiko Ichiza.  We received custom made T-shirts for the occasion which we modelled in the photo below.  Photos courtesy of Glen Tao.

Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Betsuin marked its 120 year anniversary with a luncheon in the Kaikan on October 12, 2025. Chaired by Jean Kawakami and Koichi Sayano, we had welcome messages from our Rimban Briones, a toast from our Komons, a viewing of a temple history video by Glen Tao, and presentation of a capital fundraising project by President Ken Kawasaki.  L.A. Taiko Ichiza performed a prelude to the event outside in the parking lot and again during the musical presentation.  The band performed after taiko with several guest vocalists.  Here are a few videos of the event.

Reverend Yuki Himeji joins the band to perform Sukiyaki (Ue wo muite arukou)

Candace Himeji joins the band to perform Kawa No Nagareno Youni

In a surprise to everyone, Kenny and son perform Can't Help Falling In Love.

Kenji returns with the band to perform his fan favorite Kimi To Itsumademo

September 21, 2025 marked the end of Reverend Hibiki Murakami's time a the Los Angeles Betsuin as he will be gaining more responsibilities as the head minister for 3 temples in Northern California.  Arriving right before the COVID pandemic struck, the normal social interactions were upended but he seemed to manage well and thrive.  We thank him for his hard work and dedication to our temple and sangha.  He will be sorely missed.

We played to a terrific crowd in Sawtelle on July 26 and 27.  This feels like our 2nd home whenever we come here and the Obon festival always has great food, fun dancing, entertainment, people.  We didn't get too many photos this time but you can check out our sets in the "Our Music" page.

Our Obon Carnival was a 1-day event this year, and held from noon to 6PM due to concerns of protest activity in DTLA.  We performed in the Kaikan from 2:10 to 3:45 (with a short break), right after our amazing LA Taiko Ichiza.  These fantastic photos are courtesy of friend of the band Daryl Kobayashi.

The "Summer Jam" senior bureau concert originally scheduled for June 26, was postponed to July 3 at the Nakaoka Community Center in Gardena, CA.  We had a great time playing at this event.  Thank you City of Gardena.

Photos courtesy of Daryl Kobayashi.  Thank you Daryl!

These photos are courtesy of Daryl Kobayashi, cousin to Ann.

Photos courtesy of Glen Tao

This started as a rainy day but things improved as the event started.  We managed to play two sets of roughly 45 min each.  Enjoyed performances by WLA Taiko, Cosmos Gakuin Children's group, Magician Daisuke Seo, and the Ho'Aloha Polynesian Dancers. 

We were very happy to be able to play at the Shinnenkai (New Year Party) at West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple.  We were preceded by a Minyo Japanese Folk Song Group L.A. Chikureikai who performed traditional tunes from various regions of Japan.