Konko Mission of Wahiawa

Since 1940

Welcome to the Konko Mission of Wahiawa!

Rev. Haruko Takahashi

Article written by Brittney Nareau

"We came into this concentration camp for what reason. It is just like dew on the ground.
We are stepped on.
We can’t take our head up.
There are thousands of things to be recalled in our memory.
Months and days spins like the trade-winds."1
-Haruko Takahashi

Haruko Takahashi (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Established on January 14, 1940, under the visionary leadership of the Late Reverend Haruko Takahashi, this sacred institution was conceived to address the cultural and spiritual needs of the early Japanese immigrants in Hawaii. Today, the Konko Mission of Wahiawa proudly upholds and perpetuates this rich legacy.

Guided by the Rev. Yasuhiro Yano, the current presiding head minister, and supported by his wife, Rev. Reiko Yano, along with their dedicated children—1st son, Rev. David Yano, and daughter, Rev. Edna Matsuoka—the mission thrives as a beacon of spiritual guidance. Additionally, the 2nd son, Rev. Rodney Yano, serves as the assistant head minister at the Konko Church of San Francisco.

All our ministers have undergone profound spiritual training at the Konko Church of Amagi in Fukuoka, Japan, and received their ministry ordainment at the esteemed Konkokyo Gakuin Seminary in Okayama, Japan. It is worth noting that each minister of our congregation possesses bilingual proficiency in both Japanese and English, fostering a harmonious and inclusive spiritual environment.

Honouliuli National Historic Site

Rev. Edna Matsuoka of the Konko Mission of Wahiawa performs a blessing at the Honouliuli National Historic Site on October 11, 2023.

Honouliuli receives blessing, plaque dedication ceremony | Honolulu Star-Advertiser (staradvertiser.com)

32nd Mochitsuki Held on December 30, 2023

We have been pounding mochi the traditional way since 1992.