Los Angeles, CA - The Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin of Los Angeles, also known as Koyasan Buddhist Temple, is set to host the 80th commemorative memorial service for the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings. The service will take place on Sunday, August 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Koyasan Buddhist Temple, located at 342 E. 1st Street, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
The annual service is co-sponsored by the American Society of Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Survivors (A.S.A) and will see participation from the Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Federation (LABTF) and the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC). Rimban William Briones, LABTF President, will conduct the religious ceremony alongside ministers from Higashi Honganji, Nishi Hongwanji, Zenshuji, West Covina, and Koyasan Buddhist Temples.
Mr. Howard Kakita, A.S.A. President and Hiroshima survivor, will be the main guest speaker. Video messages from the Mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will also be presented. During the service, a candlelight lit from the Koyasan Temple’s Hiroshima Peace Flame will be offered by attending atomic bomb survivors, officials, and organizations.
The Hiroshima Peace Flame has resided permanently at Koyasan Buddhist Temple since 1989. This flame, which arrived shortly after the 1984 Summer Olympics torch, symbolizes peace and justice. It serves as a reminder that the tragedy of the bombings must never happen again. The flame is kept burning until all nuclear weapons are eradicated, with daily prayers offered by the priests.
In a significant gesture of unity, Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin and Zenshuji Soto Mission will jointly chant Goeika at this year's memorial service. This initiative symbolizes harmony and cooperation within Buddhism, transcending sectarian boundaries. The joint chanting aims to deliver a powerful message to society about the importance of peace and the prevention of war through the spiritual power of Buddhist prayers.
The memorial service is open to people of all religious and cultural backgrounds, with the hope that the joint chanting will resonate in many hearts and expand the circle of prayers for peace.
The 80th commemorative memorial service for the victims of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings
Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Koyasan Buddhist Temple is located at 342 E. 1st Street, Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA 90012. http://www.koyasanbetsuin.org/
