Florin Buddhist Church

My name is Yuki Sugahara and I was assigned to Florin in July 2011.

I am originally from Japan and was born a son of a temple family called, “Korinji (father’s side)” and “Gokurakuji (mother’s side)” in Shimane Prefecture which is a prefecture north of Hiroshima.

As a high school student, I stayed in Rochester, New York for a year as a Rotary Club’s exchange student.

After going back to Japan from the exchange program, I majored in Political Science and graduated from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto.

I received Tukudo Ordination (which is needed to be a minister) in 1996 and Kyoshi Ordination (also needed to be a minister abroad) in 2002.

I went through IMOP (International Ministerial Orientation Program) in 2009 which was organized by the Hongwanji and stayed in Berkeley, CA.

One of my hobbies is playing the Bass Guitar.  In Japan, for 9 years I played the Bass Guitar in a rock band named, Jelly Belly.  Now, I play the Bass Guitar during the last Sunday service of the month.  I also enjoy cooking, bowling, and driving.

I married Namiko in 2010.  We don’t have a baby yet.  She likes to do origami and play Reversi, a board game.

My theme as a minister is to have “Friendship, Understanding, and Nembustu”.... “Have FUN!”

I look forward to seeing you at our temple one day!  Thank you for reading!