The Japanese Community Association of Hawaii will be observing its Annual Ireito Memorial Service at 2 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 26) at ‘Alae Cemetery. The public is invited to attend.
The Japanese Community Association of Hawaii will be observing its Annual Ireito Memorial Service at 2 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 26) at ‘Alae Cemetery. The public is invited to attend.
This observance will mark the 79th year of the Annual Ireisai Hoyo Memorial Service. This service is to honor the Issei, first generation Japanese immigrants. These contracted plantation workers endured a harsh life in Hawaii, in order to provide a better life and opportunity for future generations.
The Ireito Memorial was initiated by the late Hawaii Territorial Senator Sanji Abe. Abe appreciated the immigrants’ unselfish contribution and was grateful for their accomplishments and wished to comfort their spirits. This thankfulness is expressed in the Ireito Monument that stands today in ‘Alae Cemetery.
This year also marks the 150th year of the Gannenmono, the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. Gannenmono were the “People of the First Year,” arriving in 1868.
The service is a joint effort between the Japanese Community Association of Hawai‘i, the Big Island Buddhist Federation and the Toban Temple is Taishoji Soto Mission. Reverend Tatsunori Hata will lead the ceremony.
Subscribe today for unlimited access.
Already a subscriber?
Login
Not ready to subscribe?
Register for limited access.
If you have a print subscription but require digital access,
activate your account.
