Head Minister

Rev. Fujimori was born 1958 in Hokkaido Japan where indigenous Ainu people live. In 1988, He was sent to South America and North America to study Higashi Hongwanji missionary work. In 1989, he became a member of the International Network of Engaged Buddhist and visited many South East Asian countries to attend the meetings and learn how to practice Buddhism. In 1992, He was sent to Waimea Higashi Hongwanji as a resident minister. 3 months prior, the hurricane hit the temple and totally destroyed the temple. Through the experience, he started environmental programs to live in an environmental friendly society. One of the goals was to install the natural energy system in Waimea Higashi Hongwanji Temple. Through the Dharma friend’s support, now, the temple has a photovoltaic system. He started an exchange program with Ainu among the temple’s members, the community members, Hawaiian people, and the temple’s friend in Hokkaido. In 2013, he was assigned Palolo Hongwanji as a resident minister. He established a nature center on the grounds of Palolo Hongwanji with members of the temple and local friends. There, he is working with them on an organic gardening program to awaken people to the relationship between nature and humans. He also conducts a class on the teachings of the sutra for beginners every Sunday, where everyone, including him, becomes a student and a beginner.