Rev. Fumiaki Tamon Usuki Bio
With the retirement of Rev. Harold Oda on October 31, 2004 Bishop Koshin Ogui of the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) assigned Rev. Fumiaki Usuki as the resident minister of our Temple.
Rev. Usuki, comes to us from Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (Los Angeles Betsuin) where his responsibilities included English Howa/Howakai, Affiliated Temples, English Study Classes, Radio Howa, English Major Services, Weddings, Ministerial Scheduling, Jiho (Betsuin's monthly newsletter) Editor, Library Account, Security and Advisor to Sun Valley Buddhist Temple, Jr. YBA, Cultural Classes, ABA and Boy Scouts.
At the Southern District (SD) level, he serves as Advisor to the SD Jr. YBL, and participated in LABCC (sponsors the annual summer camp for Buddhist children), and Butsuren (a Federation of SD temples of different Buddhist sects). At the BCA level he serves as Advisor to the BCA Youth Advocacy Committee.
Rev. Usuki received his Tokudo and Kyoshi ordination at Honzan (the mother temple for all Jodo Shinshu followers worldwide) in Kyoto, Japan in December 2000, and his Kaikyoshi status in November 2001. Prior to beginning his assignment at Betsuin in September 2001, he served for short periods in both San Jose Betsuin and Los Angeles Betsuin in orientation programs for new BCA ministers.
Before choosing the path of a Jodo Shinshu minister, Rev. Usuki began his working career in 1970 as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Design Engineer at National Semiconductor and Fairchild Systems, both well-known high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. Then in 1978 he founded Alternate Design Concept, and served as its President. This company provided automated PCB design services, using high performance CAD (Computer-Aided Design) systems. In 1986 he became an instructor in San Jose State University's Division of Technology, teaching CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing). Then in 1990 to 1998 he became a U. S. Business Development Consultant associated with two companies involved in PCB and allied technologies. This was his last industrial experience before entering the Institute of Buddhist Studies to study for the Jodo Shinshu ministry.
Personal Data
Rev. Usuki was born in Kagoshima, Japan on November 17, 1950.
From 1960 and until he began working in 1970, he was affiliated with Oxnard Buddhist Temple where his mother is still an active member. Subsequently, he was affiliated with Watsonville Buddhist Temple where at various times he was a Dharma School Teacher, Temple Vice President and Temple President.
He graduated Oxnard High School in 1969, received both BA and MA degrees in Industrial Technology from San Jose State University, and a MJS (Master in Jodo Shinshu) degree from the Institute of Buddhist Studies in 2000.
His hobbies include golf, travel, judo and restoring old cars.
He has a daughter, Kimiko, and son, Brett, both attending California State University at Northridge.
Rev. Usuki is married to Rev. Patricia Kanaya Usuki who was appointed as resident minister of San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple.
© 2008 West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Online
