Tacoma’s Buddhist Women's Association Celebrates Centennial

The Tacoma Buddhist Temple Buddhist Women’s Association (BWA) celebrated its 100th-year anniversary on April 27. 

After the Tacoma temple was established in 1915, the Fujinkai was founded in 1925 with 30 members. In 1934, Mrs. Kinuko Sasaki was asked by Tacoma Rev. Sensho Sasaki to revise the toban-style leadership to a more organized group and thus she became our first Fujinkai leader. 

By 1935, at the Fujinkai’s 10th anniversary, the group had grown to a membership of 55.   

The BWA endured World War II and the recent worldwide pandemic. The temple doors were closed twice, but our hearts remained open to our minister’s needs, temple needs and community needs.

Today we have returned to a new normal and have remained strong under the leadership of Rev. Tadao Koyama and BWA President Denise Cline, her dedicated cabinet and supportive members. 

After the kansho bell was rung beginning the anniversary event, Alex Theisen requested all current and former BWA members and families of past BWA members to stand. They all received a well-deserved round of applause from the Sangha.  

My Dharma message shared a journey through the evolution and history of the BWA in relation to our temple history and included the inventions of popular toys, items and other icons through the decades, which captured the interest and attention of both young and old. Were you aware that Mr. Potato Head and Tupperware originated in the 1940s? In the 1950s, there was McDonald’s, Barbie and Elvis. 

The attendees sang a new gatha called “BWA Anthem” written and composed by Donna Sasaki that incorporated words and phrases from current members. The participants recited along with a video of Michiko Yukawa reading “The Three Treasures” from the 2022 Zoom Hoonko service during the pandemic.  It was nice to see her and have her be part of our service.

After the service, everyone was invited for a short social hour in the Rev. Gladys Pratt room organized by Lynn Blick. Guests enjoyed homemade treats and also listened to music from each decade. We showcased six new tri-fold boards created by Jill Case, Carrie Mori and myself from the history of BWA to the evolution of toys and kitchen appliances.  

The most meaningful displays included the heartfelt and sincere letters received from some of our former honorary advisers (bomori or minister’s wives). Thank you to Megumi and Rev. Fukuma, Masayo Kakihara, Linda Koyama, Kaori Miyaji, Rev. Cyndi Yasaki, Michiko and Rev. Yukawa and Rev. Tadao Koyama for taking the time and thought you gave to your very special messages. 

Everyone received a special BWA cookbook assembled by Tracy Ling, which included recipes from current and past BWA members and will be a treasured memento. 

In addition, everyone received a “June” Post-It favor and admired “Carrie’s” charming table decorations and Les Hitsman’s elaborate centerpiece, enjoyed Patti Wong’s sekihan gohan and viewed and studied our Tacoma Buddhist Temple and BWA historical timeline spanning 60-by-3 feet with appreciation.  

Rev. Koyama made a toast, recognizing the sacrifices and hardships of past leaders and congratulated the current leaders and members for practicing and sharing some of these traditions and cultural experiences.

The luncheon would not have been as enjoyable without our YBA students and YBA parents, who served the lunch and made sure everyone had fresh tea in their cups. Our meal concluded with dessert, which included our original strawberry mochi, a Daifuku mochi and a baked manju. 

It is very difficult to envision the many hours spent to create this day as a fun but informative event, to thank the numerous people who joined us, and to thank everyone for the generous donations that we received. 

The extraordinary messages from our Japan and mainland okusans — thank you so much. Our connections still remain strong!  A special thank you to Rev. Koyama for his spiritual guidance and support throughout the months of planning and on the day of the event.        

Our Tacoma Buddhist Women’s Association is not unique. We continue to be a diverse and active group of people who help with all temple fundraisers, community activities, special meals and any special tasks requested from our minister or board.  

We look forward to observe what future decades will bring. We say “Okagesama de zento yoyo — Looking to a bright future because of those who preceded us.”