Grateful Crane Ensemble Brings It Home to BCSF, San Jose Betsuin

Crowds Enjoy ‘Living Gratitude’; Dharma Forward Grant Initiative Will Bring Show to More BCA Districts in 2026

With grant support from the BCA Dharma Forward campaign and the tireless efforts and generosity of Sangha volunteers and the community, the Buddhist Church of San Francisco (BCSF) and the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin each successfully hosted the Grateful Crane Ensemble’s performance of “Living Gratitude: A Musical Journey Celebrating 125 Years of BCA,” on the weekend of Nov. 15-16, 2025.

The Grateful Crane Ensemble performed at BCSF on Nov. 15 and at the San Jose Betsuin on Nov. 16, drawing crowds estimated at over 125 individuals at each performance.

Written by Soji Kashiwagi, the ambitious work was commissioned by the BCA Office of the Bishop to pay tribute to 125 years of BCA history in a fun and entertaining way. 

Fulfilling that goal and much more, the Grateful Crane Ensemble, made up of Merv Maruyama, Keiko Kawashima, Haruka Ioka and Ping Wu, skillfully transported rapt audiences through 125 years of Jodo Shinshu Buddhist history. 

Carefully selected favorite songs and stories captured the courage, heartbreak, perseverance, humor and Nembutsu spirit, which has always and continues to sustain the BCA Sangha. Contributions to the musical score were received from Albert Fujitsubo and Miko Shudo, as well as instrumental accompaniments by Elaine Jones and Rev. Patti Oshita.

Kashiwagi also included the harsh reality of racism, cultural, and religious discrimination faced by each generation, including the World War II mass incarceration of Japanese Americans; numerous temple burnings throughout BCA’s history, and much more. “You will notice,’ he pointed out, “that this isn’t ancient history, but it’s a story that is here and now and more relevant than ever.” Through music and storytelling, he gently posed questions for present and future generations, making for an educational, thought-provoking and affirmative Dharma reflection.

In her welcome message, BCSF Resident Minister Rev. Melissa Opel extended thanks to the BCA and Dharma Forward for bringing the show to BCSF. 

“As the first Buddhist church established in the continental U.S., we view this temple as ‘home’ for everyone in the Jodo Shinshu community and a welcoming place for all,” Rev. Opel said.

“It’s great to be home, together with my mother, Sadako, and brother Hiroshi,” said Grateful Crane Ensemble Executive Producer Soji Kashiwagi, who wrote the “Living Gratitude” script. “As mentioned, our family has been here (at BCSF) … seems like forever!” 

He thanked Bishop Rev. Marvin Harada for the commission to create this work. Kashiwagi said he would never have guessed, as a kid who skipped Sunday School to watch San Francisco 49er games, that one day, many decades later, he would be asked to write about BCA’s 125-year history, its trials and tribulations, in an entertaining way.

The Grateful Crane Ensemble event was a homecoming for the Kashiwagi family. It was also a reunion of friends, neighbors, family and community. Several families attended together, with three generations represented. Many had not attended church for many years and were curious and nostalgic about the event. 

An estimated crowd of over 125 individuals attended the BCSF show from Sebastopol, Seattle, East Bay, San Francisco and nearby areas. Another estimated 125 people attended the San Jose Betsuin show from the Peninsula and South Bay. 

“Many were nostalgic and teary-eyed with the performance; others enjoyed the bento, desserts and camaraderie of new and old friends, but at the end of the day, everyone felt a sense of belonging, connectivity and a spirit of joy,” said Misaye Abiko, co-chair of the BCSF event.

“With gassho from the heart,” Abiko continued, “we extend our sincerest appreciation to the BCSF Board, Scout Troop 29 and the Scout Masters, the YAO, the BWA, the BCSF Choir, Dharma School, Jr. YBA, Jiten Taiko, Soko Gakuen, the BCSF Sangha, Everything Audio Visual (EAV), Kimochi, Inc., and Suruki Supermarket, for helping to make this all possible, and reflecting our ongoing Sangha energy.”

The Grateful Crane Ensemble’s joyful and creative spirit continued to soar the following day at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin performance, with Dennis Akizuki and Larry Handa as Co-Masters of Ceremonies. 

“The historical context provided by director Soji Kashiwagi at the beginning greatly enriched the program and the San Jose audience really appreciated the nostalgic musical numbers and great performances,” said San Jose Betsuin event chair Adrienne Reiko Iwanaga.

The BCA Bay District and Coast District Sanghas are sincerely grateful to Bishop Rev. Harada for initiating this special project through the BCA Dharma Forward campaign. 

The presence and participation of BCA President Steve Terusaki and BCA Treasurer Darlene Bagshaw at the San Jose Betsuin event, and BCA Endowment Foundation’s Development Director Michiko Inanaga at the BCSF show was deeply appreciated. 

It was enlightening to hear about the success of the Dharma Forward campaign and about BCA’s gratitude to all past, present and future supporters. 

Many thanks also goes to past BCA President Terri Omori, who helped guide the creative and groundbreaking Dharma Forward grant initiative, which will bring the “Living Gratitude” show to more BCA districts in 2026. 

Adrienne Reiko Iwanaga, of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, and Misaye Abiko of BCSF contributed to this article.