Interior view of Buddhist service from back of Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California, ca. 195x. Chairs filled with congregation flank aisle in center, foreground, leading to raised dias where priests in robes are seated in with backs to viewer, including Reverend Tomoji Hirata (far left), a woman, possibly Reverend Okahashi,and Reverend Nakagami (far right). Large incense burner on stand at end of aisle. Rinban Daitetsu Hayashima, head of Betsuin, in elaborate robes stands with back to viewer in front of altar. Two rows of priests sit on either side of altar, including on right side (second row) Reverend Giko Yamamoto, Reverend Zesei Kawasaki, Reverend Bumpo Kuwatsuki; (first row) Reverend Ryuei Masuoka, Reverend Enyo Unno, Reverend Bunyu Fujimura. Priests sitting on the left side include, (second row) Reverend Hoshin Fujikado, Arthur Takemoto; (first row) William Terao (?). Columns rise above altar, holding up dark drapery and three metallic phoenix screens. Three lights shine above. Pictures of Buddha and a Bodhisattva hang on walls above flower arrangements. Woman in white hat sits at end of row with white handbag in aisle.

(96.70.1)

Gift of the Miyatake Family, Japanese American National Museum

To see other collections:
Japanese American National Museum Collections Online

Copyright is held by the Japanese American National Museum. Short-term educational use with limited circulation is permitted. For all other uses, please contact the Hirasaki National Resource Center at the Japanese American National Museum (hnrc@janm.org)