Rev. Hibiki Junkyo Murakami serves as an Associate Minister at the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. He was born and raised as the oldest son of Jonen-ji Temple in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan. Rev. Murakami received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Shin Buddhism from Ryukoku University in Kyoto in 2016 and 2018 respectively. He received Tokudo ordination in 2013 and Kyoshi certification in 2015. His Buddhist name is Shaku Junkyo.

Rev. Murakami completed the International Ministerial Orientation Program (IMOP) at the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, CA in 2018. Upon completion of his IMOP studies in January 2020, he was assigned to the Los Angeles betsuin. Outside of his ministerial functions, Rev. Murakami enjoys working on and driving his car. He also has a fondness for Aikido and outdoor activities such as golf, skiing, and relaxing at the beach. Recently, he has been developing his skills as a sketch artist.

We talked about the differences between the Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and Jonen-ji Temple in Kitakyushu, how Rev. Murakami's great-grandfather traveled to America about 100 years ago and served a Jodo Shinshu sangha in Sacramento, working on cars as a method of meditation and cultivating appreciation, and the importance of exploring your curiosity and enjoying the adventure.