Nearly 500 Honor Rev. Gerald Sakamoto at SJ Betsuin

Sangha Members Call Beloved Minister a ‘Pillar in Community’ and ‘the People’s Rinban’ at Retirement Party

Nearly 500 people packed the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin annex building on Nov. 1, 2025, to thank Rinban Rev. Gerald Sakamoto and wish him a well-earned retirement.

Rev. Sakamoto, who served an unprecedented 39 years as a Resident Minister with the San Jose Betsuin, the last seven as Rinban, and overall more than 50 years as a Jodo Shinshu minister, leaves a legacy of patience, compassion and humor. Known for being approachable, humble and self-deprecating, he touched and influenced thousands of Dharma School students and adults.

“Thank you Rinban for being such an important part in all of the big moments in our family,” Jeff Ota, a fourth-generation San Jose temple member, wrote in one of the many personal messages to Rev. Sakamoto collected in a scrapbook. “From weddings to funerals to family celebrations, you have made every event special for us. I most appreciate how you help me internalize the gift that Shin Buddhism is not only for my life, but also for my family.”

A 20-something Sangha member wrote: “Thank you for not only being a pillar in the community, but my life as well. Your influence and opinion has been a big guiding factor in my life. Thank you for being the perfect role model.”

Reflecting on his 50 years of service, Rev. Sakamoto said he was “fortunate to have had this opportunity to do this work,” learning about and sharing the teachings of the Buddha.

A native of Hawaii, Rev. Sakamoto grew up in Honolulu within a few minutes walking distance from the Moiliili Hongwanji Mission, which would become a central part of his life. His mother was deeply involved in the Fujinkai, now known as the Buddhist Women’s Association. He recalled he “was always there. Going to Sunday School” and doing all the things current Dharma School students do now in San Jose. He joined a Boy Scout troop sponsored by the temple, eventually earning an Eagle Scout award.

Rev. Sakamoto’s interest in Buddhism grew at the University of Hawaii at  Manoa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with an emphasis in Buddhism. He attained Tokudo ordination in 1973, Kyoshi in 1974 and was a minister in Hawaii for two years.

His BCA career almost didn’t happen. Rev. Sakamoto for a time considered another career. He moved from Hawaii to the mainland in 1976 intending to study agriculture at UC Davis and join a friend help raise sorghum in Australia. 

For a couple of months, he slept on couches in the apartments of Revs. Russell Hamada and Jay Shinseki. BCA Bishop Rev. Kenryu Tsuji asked to meet with Rev. Sakamoto and suggested he help at the Buddhist Church of Oakland while he was figuring out the next step in life. Rev. Sakamoto said he believes Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani, who was the Bishop in Hawaii, might have called Rev. Tsuji, which resulted in Rev. Tsuji reaching out to him.

“Tsuji sensei’s concern about me … kind of reshaped what I thought I’d be doing,” he said.

His decision to serve in Oakland was more influential than he could have imagined. It was where he met his wife, Kathy, who he credits with influencing him and his approach to spreading Buddhist teachings. They moved to Washington state, where Rev. Sakamoto served at the White River Buddhist Temple from 1979 to 1986 — and where his daughters, Elanor and Sarah, were born. He also has a daughter in Hawaii, Gwen, and two granddaughters, Dallas and Kaiya.

In 1986, he moved to San Jose and the rest is a wonderful history of spiritual growth, support of the Sangha and wider community, and his easy-going way of making sure everything was “Oh-Kay” (something he said nearly every day).

A full circle moment occurred at the 2026 BCA National Council Meeting at Renton, Washington, when a member of the Orange County Buddhist Church showed Rev. Sakamoto a photo taken 51 years ago when he officiated the woman’s wedding in Hawaii — his first wedding ceremony.

His farewell party, with the themes of Hawaii and “Star Wars,” reflected his hobbies, interests and favorite foods. The party committee was made up of: Deborah Aso, Larry Handa, Reiko Iwanaga, Elaine Jones, Janice Oda, Linda Onishi and Phyllis Sugimoto.

Highlighting the menu were tri-tip, kalua pork, nishime, Boy Scout fried rice, soft-serve ice cream and Lay’s potato chips.

BCA Bishop Marvin Harada offered his congratulations and appreciation, as did other BCA and Coast District leaders.

About 50 current and former Junior Choir and Adult Choir members sang a song about Rev. Sakamoto sung to the tune of “Shakyamuni Buddha,” with words by Choir Director Elaine Jones and “Arigato” with adapted lyrics by Reiko Iwanaga. The Shakuhachi Club — founded by Rev. Sakamoto —  also performed.

One of his parting gifts was a new camera.

Guests received a set of five trading cards about Rev. Sakamoto, themed to “Star Wars,” his photography, ministry, growing up in Hawaii and shakuhachi.

Dozens of people wrote personal messages to sensei that were placed in a scrapbook.

“Thank you for being such a wise Jedi Master who guided us to the light of the Dharma. May the Force be with you in your next journey,” one Sangha member wrote. 

“You’re the people’s Rinban, always,” wrote one couple.

“Thank you for welcoming us and making the Hondo feel like home,” wrote still another.

Rev. Sakamoto officially retired after the Joya-e service on Dec. 31, 2025, replaced by new Rinban Rev. Henry Adams, who moved from the San Mateo Buddhist Temple on Jan. 1.

Reflecting on his 50 years as a Kaikyoshi. Rev. Sakamoto credited the Dharma as the biggest influence on his life.

“After 50 years, I can confidently say that the intent of the Buddha was to resolve the difficulties that we cause and experience,” he said.

He added: “Whether that is an opening or a dead end, I don’t know.”

The Dharma will continue to play an important role in his life, he said. He may be retired as a Kaikyoshi, but he said he hasn’t retired from being active in BCA.