1889

Jodo Shinshu introduced to Hawaii.

1900

The first group of 26 immigrants from Okinawa arrived in Hawaii.

1936

Rev. Chiro Yosemori transferred from Waipahu Hongwanji to Hawaii Betsuin to begin religious services for Okinawan immigrants.

1938

Houghtailing temple and dormitory are built with invaluable financial help from Hawaii Betsuin. “Jikoen” chosen as name for the new temple. Rev. Jikai Yamasato arrives to augment services and activities. Sunday School and Japanese classes begin.

1941–1944

Rev. Yosemori returns to Japan; Rev. Yamasato takes over when World War II begins. Rev. Yamasato is interned. Jikoen leaders successfully petition government to keep temple open. Jikoen is the first temple to re-open before the end of the war. Mr. Shohei Miyasato is lay leader of services. Rev. Hunt helps with Sunday School.

1945

Rev Yamasato returns from internment and resumes a 43 year tenure at Jikoen. Jikoen is a center for relief efforts for war-ravaged Okinawa.

1946

First meeting of Okinawan community group, Hui Makaala, conducted at Jikoen.

1950

Jikoen Kyodan is organized and Fujinkai (forerunner of Jikoen Buddhist Womens Association- JBWA) is reactivated in a special ceremony with Lady Yoshiko Ohtani as officiant.

1951

The Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA) is established.

1957

13th Memorial service (Irei No Hi) in Okinawa for all the war dead – military and civilian, American, Okinawan, and Japanese.

1964

Relocation to School Street on leased Bishop Estate land. Jikoen Temple and Okinawan Memorial Hall dedicated. Lumibini Preschool established. Rev. Kiyoshi Matsukuma helps with English and Sunday School services and activities.

1965

The largest Okinawan stone outside of Okinawa brought to Hawaii by the United States Navy and erected in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the Okinawan Immigration to Hawaii – engraved on its face, SHIKAI KEI-TEI (All within the four seas are brothers) by Waseda University President, Dr. Nobumoto Ohana.

1981

Rev. Chikai Yosemori takes over as resident minister.

1984

Jikoen Choir established.

1985

Dr. Albert Miyasato, Jikoen leader, becomes the first non-Betsuin lay leader to be elected head of the state association of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii.

1986

Dharma School (formerly known as Sunday Schoo) is established.

1991

Jikoen successfully purchased the temple land from Bishop Estate for $1.08 million.

1992

Jikoen hosted delegates to the statewide Legislative Assembly to express its gratitude for all those who helped to raise the funds (3 ½ years effort) to purchase the temple land.

1992

JBWA makes a trip to Europle.

1996

Iterim minister Re. Akinori Morii arrives.

1996

Rev Chikai Yosemori is elected as the 12th Bishop of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, the first Bishop of Okinawan descent.

1998

Rev. Bruce Nakamura starts a seven year tenure.

2002

A large contingent of members from the Jikoen Buddhist Womens Association (JBWA) attends the 12th World BWA Convention in Brazil. Chihoko Yosemori, as Hawaii’s representative, gives a rousing and well-received speech about the establishment of the Pacific Buddhist Academy.

2003

Pacific Buddhist Academy opens.

2004

Several Jikoen Dharma School students perform in “Pigs from the Sea” at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. The performance celebrated Jikoen’s and Okinawan community’s historical effort to send pigs to Okinawa after the devasting WW II Battle of Okinawa.

2005

Rev. Shindo Nishiyama begins his tenure.

2006

JBWA assists in hosting the 13th World Buddhist Womens Convention in Honolulu.

2008

Jikoen celebrated its 70th Anniversary and the renovation of the columbarium completed by the Takeo and Sachiko Teruya family and fellow members.

2018

Jikoen celebrated its 80th Anniversary and renewed its efforts to raise $1 million to install an elevator-lift, complete long overdue repair and renovation projects.