2026 FBWA Conference Set in SD

SDBWA to Host 48th National Conference

“To Remember As We Build For Tomorrow” is the theme for the Federation Buddhist Women’s Association (FBWA) 48th National Conference.

The conference will take place Oct. 2-4, 2026, at the DoubleTree Hotel in San Diego, California. The theme’s Japanese translation is “Kako wo Omoi, Asu wo Hiraku.”

The Southern District Buddhist Women’s Association (SDBWA) extends an invitation to women of the BWA chapters, temple Sanghas, including men, to attend the conference. 

Rev. Dr. Kenji Akahoshi, BCA Minister Emeritus and former resident minister of the Buddhist Temple of San Diego, will deliver the keynote address in English. Rev. Yuika Hasebe, Rimban (chief minister) of the Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin in Honolulu, will be the Japanese keynote speaker.

Presented biannually, the conference will bring together 300 delegates, ministers and guests from throughout the United States to hear, listen and share the Buddha Dharma and conduct business of the FBWA. The Southern District Buddhist Women’s Association, and its 12 chapters, will serve as host. 

Since early 2024, the planning committee has been working on logistics and developing the program for the three-day conference.

On Friday, October 2, activities will be offered during the day and evening. The FBWA delegates meeting is scheduled for Friday evening.

Saturday’s activities include the opening service and Dharma talks from the keynote speakers. Workshops will take place throughout the day. The evening will include a dinner banquet and entertainment by Bonbu Stories.

Sunday’s session will include the FBWA general meeting and closing service.

SDBWA chapters and Hongwanji Place will be selling crafts and merchandise at the marketplace, which will be open on Friday and Saturday.

Recently, mailings were sent to all temple and church presidents and BWA groups with conference information and a fundraising campaign opportunity. 

Fundraising will be a key component to the success of the conference, and the committee hopes all temples, BWA chapters and businesses will help support the effort.

SDBWA will advertise upcoming Panda Express fundraisers and ongoing Panko sales.

Registration packets are expected to be distributed in early April. Be on the lookout for the conference information.

The conference co-chairs are: Deb Hiramoto (Senshin), Gail Furuya (Vista) and Ralph Honda (San Diego). The ministerial advisers are Rev. Gregory Gibbs (Pasadena), Rev. Yukari Torii (San Fernando) and Rev. Ryuta Furumoto (Senshin).