LIHUE — Like the Buddha, who was bathed in a light rain that sprinkled on Lumbini Garden when he was born about 2,500 years ago, about 100 guests to the Lihue Hongwanji Mission 125th Anniversary Commemorative Service were bathed by a light rain that fell on Kapaia Valley on Sunday.

Bishop Toshiyuki Umitani officiated over the service with the help of the Rev. Shawn Yagi and the Rev. Tomo Hojo. Among the guests were three centenarians: Natsuko Daida, Akiyo Matsuyama and Natsue Onishi.

“The history of the Lihue Hongwanji Mission started before its official founding in 1900 when Rev. Soryu Kogahi visited Kauai in 1889,” Umitani said. “In 1900, driven by the Japanese immigrants’ strong desire for religious guidance, Rev. Kenya Arai was sent to Lihue, where he and a small team built a temple

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