The retirement celebration for Rinban Noriaki Ito of the Higashi Honganji Los Angeles Temple was a heartfelt and memorable event, held at Quiet Cannon event place in Montebello in the afternoon of Sunday, September 28, 2025, after a special Succession Service marking the transition of the Rinban position to Rinban Kenjun Kawawata at the temple in Little Tokyo in the morning of the same day. Nearly 700 attendees gathered to honor Rinban Ito’s decades of dedicated service to the Higashi Honganji Los Angeles Temple.
The program opened with a warm welcome by emcee traci kato-kiriyama, followed by energetic performances from Bombu Taiko and TAIKOPROJECT. Ron Sato, President of the Board of Directors of Higashi Honganji Temple, introduced special guests, while family members and close friends delivered touching messages expressing gratitude and admiration for Rinban Ito and his wife, Janet.
A highlight of the afternoon was a humorous and affectionate champagne toast by Shin Ito, complete with both a toaster and a literal piece of “toast” in honor of his brother. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, dessert, and a beautiful koto performance by June Kuramoto. The emotional atmosphere was further enriched by a tribute video created by John Esaki and Amy Kato.
The celebration culminated in a special gift: a bucket list trip to Japan for Rinban Ito, Janet, their children, their spouses, and seven grandchildren—a dream long postponed during his years of service. Rinban Ito closed the event by expressing deep appreciation to all who supported him throughout his 50-year career, with special thanks to Susan Kashiwabara for her long time dedication to the temple.
Born in Kumamoto, Japan, in 1948, Noriaki Ito moved to Los Angeles in 1955, where his father served as Rinban of the Higashi Honganji Los Angeles Temple. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and Occidental College, later earning a Master of Arts in Shin Buddhism from Otani University in Kyoto.
After ordination, Rev. Ito began his ministerial career at the Los Angeles Temple in 1975, later serving in West Covina Temple and returning as Rinban in 1993. He was appointed Bishop of the North America District in 2011 and celebrated 50 years of service before retiring in 2025.
Beyond his temple duties, Rinban Ito was deeply involved in interfaith dialogue and community organizations, including the Buddhist/Catholic Dialogue of Southern California, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Little Tokyo Community Council, and more. His legacy is marked by decades of leadership, service, and dedication to both the Buddhist community and broader society in Southern California.
Articles about Rinban Ito at The Way newsletter, October/November 2025 Issue