H.E. Kosho Ohtani (1911–2002) served as Monshu of the Jōdo Shinshū Hongwanji-ha from 1927 to 1977, one of the most consequential periods in the history of American Buddhism. During the postwar years, when Japanese American communities were rebuilding after the incarceration camps, Ohtani and his wife made numerous visits to the United States, offering comfort, encouragement, and steadfast support to BCA temples and members. He was a warm and visionary leader who believed deeply in the future of Buddhism in America.
In 1985, his son Koshin Ohtani gifted funds to IBS to honor that legacy, establishing what became the Ohtani endowment. The chair was first held by Dr. Eisho Nasu, followed by the late Rev. Dr. Seigen Yamaoka, whose decades of service to IBS and the BCA left an indelible mark on the institution. Rev. Dr. Takashi Miyaji was appointed to the chair in 2021 and continues that tradition, teaching the works of Shinran Shōnin and carrying the Dharma forward for future generations of American Buddhists.
To support the work of Dr. Miyaji and all our faculty, consider making a gift to professorial endowments through the BCA Endowment Foundation. Donate online here and click “IBS chairs” from the drop-down menu.
Thank you and gassho!
Support American Shin Buddhism
Donate online to make a one-time or recurring donation to the Eshinni Kakushinni Chair. Once at the BCAEF page, select “IBS Chairs” from the drop-down menu, and then “Ohtani Chair.”
Alternately, mail in your gift with a check payable to
BCA Endowment Foundation
2140 Durant Ave
Berkeley, CA 94704