Federation of Buddhist Women's Association
Our History
Our Founding in Japan
The Buddhist Women’s Association (BWA) was founded in Japan in the early 20th century by Takeko Kujō (1887–1928), the daughter of Koson Ohtani, a prominent religious leader of the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist tradition. In her early twenties, Takeko Kujō established the Fujinkai—the original name for the organization—as a way to encourage women’s participation in Buddhist practice and community service. In addition to her religious work, she also founded Asoka Hospital, one of Japan’s first modern medical centers. She passed away in Tokyo after falling ill while doing relief work in the city’s slums following the devastating Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.
As the organization grew, local BWA chapters were established in Jodo Shinshu temples across Japan. In time, as many Japanese immigrants settled abroad in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, BWA chapters were also formed in the United States and other countries. Today, the BWA in the United States is an affiliated organization of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA), the mainland U.S. branch of the Nishi Hongwanji tradition of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Our Beginnings in the United States
The first BWA in the United States was established in San Francisco in 1900, just months after the arrival of Rev. Shuye Sonoda and Rev. Kakuryo Nishijima, who arrived in the U.S. from Japan to promote the Buddha Dharma.
After World War II, Lady Yoshiko Ohtani (1918–2000), the wife of Kosho Ohtani, the 23rd spiritual head (Monshu) of the Jodo Shinshu tradition, played a key role in revitalizing the Buddhist Women’s Association. She traveled to many temples across Japan and internationally, inspiring women to continue their involvement in Buddhist practice and community life. In honor of her deep dedication to Buddhism, many BWA chapters hold an annual memorial service in her memory.
Lady Ohtani and the Monshu made their first official visit to the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) in November 1951. During this visit, a landmark organizational meeting was held in San Francisco on February 16, 1952, bringing together BWA chapters from across the United States. With over 500 delegates attending from California, as well as representatives from Denver and Seattle, this convention marked the founding of what would later become the National Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations.
During the conference, the final drafts of the Federation constitution and bylaws were adopted, and an organizational resolution was issued as follows:
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We shall constantly pursue the Buddha Dharma in order to follow a righteous way of life.
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We shall mutually endeavor to establish a bright family and social atmosphere by living a life of Nembutsu.
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We shall unite our efforts in order to promote Buddhism in America.
The election of officers followed, and the election results were:
President – Kikuye Yamate, San Francisco
Vice President – Shinobu Matsuura, Berkeley
Vice President – Yoshiko Yamakawa, San Jose
Directors – Mrs. Ichikawa, Seattle
Mrs. Morimoto, Ontario
Mrs. Tamari, Los Angeles
Mrs. Tsunoda, Denver
Mrs. Takaji, Watsonville
Mrs. Unno, Guadalupe
Mrs. Yoshida, Sacramento
Mrs. Sasaki, Sacramento
The first actions taken by this Federation were:
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To offer financial aid to the Monterey Fujinkai which had been preparing lunches for the Japanese-American soldiers in the service of their country stationed at Fort Ord.
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To send Mrs. Shinobu Matsuura as a representative to the 2nd World Buddhist Conference to be held in Tokyo on September 24, 1952.
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To publish a Federation Paper called “Hasu no Hana” (Lotus Flower); only two issues were actually published).
Our Organization Today
The Federation of Buddhist Women’s Associations (FBWA) is the national umbrella organization for Buddhist Women’s Association (BWA) chapters across the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA). FBWA is also a proud member of the World Federation of Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha Buddhist Women’s Associations, connecting it to a global network of Buddhist women committed to living and sharing the teachings of the Buddha.
Throughout the year, local BWA chapters bring Buddhist values to life through acts of Dana (selfless giving), community outreach, and education. They support meaningful initiatives such as:
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The Institute of Buddhist Studies’ Ministerial Student Scholarship Fund
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The Center for Buddhist Education
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The Federation of Dharma School Teachers’ League
Many chapters also host Dharma talks, conferences, and social events that welcome all members of their temple communities. In addition, BWA members often visit those who are unable to attend services, helping maintain strong connections within the Sangha (Buddhist community). Through these activities, the FBWA continues to uphold and share core values of compassion, community, and gratitude.
Leadership of the FBWA rotates every two years among these districts. The hosting district is responsible for organizing a national conference every other year, as well as a representatives’ meeting in the alternating years. The FBWA president also serves on the BCA Board of Directors and holds a voting position at the BCA National Council meetings.
BWA's Youth Exchange Program
The FBWA also helps nurture the next generation of Buddhist leaders through its Youth Exchange Program. Inspired by a resolution at the 3rd World Buddhist Women’s Federation Conference in Hawaii in 1967 and further developed in Kyoto in 1970, the program was officially launched in 1971 as a partnership between the FBWA and the Japan Buddhist Women’s Federation.
Today, the program offers a unique cultural and spiritual exchange experience: every other year, two young women from the United States travel to Japan, and in alternating years, two young women from Japan visit the U.S. Participants gain the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism while building meaningful relationships across borders.