He was born in
Ontario, Oregon. His grandparents, farmers from
Hiroshima Prefecture and
Yamaguchi Prefecture, emigrated to the
United States in early 20th century. He majored in
religious studies at
University of Oregon, and received a
Master of Arts in
Buddhist Studies from
Institute of Buddhist Studies. After acquiring these degrees, he moved to Japan to study at
Ryukoku University and the Honganji-ha
seminary Chuo Bukkyo Gakuin. He received a
M.A. in Shin Buddhist Studies from Ryukoku University. Prior to becoming bishop, he served as a minister at
Orange County Buddhist Church since 1986, and eventually became the head minister there. Alongside this, he has served as co-director of BCA Continuing Buddhist Education, and as supervising minister of
Sacramento Betsuin and
Vista Buddhist Temple. == Bibliography ==