Gakuen (Japanese Language School)
Philosophy
The Gakuen (Japanese Language School) teaches the Japanese language and fosters values of education in daily life and strives to develop an understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and Buddhist traditions.
The Gakuen Japanese School at the HHHB is an after school language program for school children ages 6-18. Using the immersion method, the school offers unique teaching in the four main areas of language: reading, writing, comprehension and conversation. Along with the language training, students also learn about Japanese culture and develop character building skills.
Registering For Gakuen
Interested new students should mail/bring application to temple office. Please click on the PDF file below to view the Gakuen Handbook. It provides information about all areas of Gakuen (Japanese School)
Application is also available below. Click on PDF file. Fees for registering and PTA is $15. Checks are payable to Hilo Hongwanji Gakuen.
Hanashikata
The Hilo Hongwanji Gakuen participates in the Japanese Language Achievement Award Program (Hanashikata) hosted by the United Japanese Society of Hawaii every year. This event is held in Honolulu, and we usually send 6 graders to the event. However, in recent years, due to the pandemic, this event has been held online.
In 2022, 5 students (Keiko Gervais, Kaitlyn Liu, David Yamamoto, Mari Kleinman, and Trent Masuda) from Hilo Betsuin participated and gave a 3-minute speech. They did an excellent job!
