Shuichi Thomas Kurai (December 14, 1947—June 29, 2018) was a Japanese-born Soto Zen roshi and head abbot of Sozenji Buddhist Temple in Montebello, California. Raised in a Soto temple in Japan, he moved to California with his parents in 1952, where his father (Reverend Shuyu Kurai) served as priest at the Zenshuji Soto Mission in Little Tokyo. In addition to his role as a Zen teacher, Kurai also instructed others in how to play taiko. Kurai was a member of the American Zen Teachers Association.[1][2][1]

Shuichi Thomas Kurai
TitleAbbot
Personal
BornDecember 14, 1947
Katada, Shima-shi, Mie Prefecture, Japan
DiedJune 29, 2018 (age 70)
Los Angeles, California, United States
ReligionBuddhism
NationalityJapanese-American
ChildrenGarrett Keiichi Kurai
SchoolSoto Zen
OccupationZen master
taiko instructor/performer
Senior posting
Based inMontebello, California, United States

Kurai died on June 29, 2018, at the age of 70 following a diagnosis of adult T-Cell leukemia.

Notes

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  1. ^ Wong, 197-198
  2. ^ Paul

References

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  • Wong, Deborah Anne (2004). Speak It Louder: Asian Americans Making Music. Routledge. ISBN 0-415-97039-3. OCLC 57595283.
  • Paul, Jacquie (2004-04-07). "Drummers thunder at UCR". Press-Enterprise. Retrieved 2008-02-15.