Biography of Rev. Katsuya Kusunoki

I was born in 1977, in Nagasaki, Japan. I received Tokudo ordination on July 15, 1999, and Kyoshi on March 29, 2007. My hobby is watching and playing baseball and softball. After I graduated high school, I entered Miyazaki University. My major was primary education.

During my University days, I took a leave of absence from the university and I entered a Volunteer program to help developing countries. I was sent to ZIMBABWE to be a baseball coach. I coached baseball in ZIMBABWE for 2 years and 4 months.

After I came back to Japan, I graduated from Miyazaki University. Then, I start working for an elementary school for 3 years. I taught 3^rd grade and 6th grade. In 2006, I decided to become a minister in a foreign country because I wanted to work outside of Japan again. I went to KYOTO to study Buddhism.

I studied Buddhism in Kyoto for two and half years. In September 2008, I came to the USA to have training to be a BCA minister. I was a member of first group of IMOP (International Ministerial Orientation Program) students.

I was assigned to the Buddhist Church of Lodi and the Walnut Grove Buddhist Church as a supervising minister in January 2010, and the Stockton Buddhist Church in September 2010.

I am trying my best to serve these churches and propagate Jodo Shinshu.

Namoamidabutsu,

Katsuya  Katsuryu Kusunoki