Seeing where Shinto and Buddhism cross

May 16, 2013

Seeing where Shinto and Buddhism cross

by Sachiko Tamashige

“The number of Shinto shrines in Japan has changed over centuries due to various political and social changes. There were about 190,000 shrines during the early Meiji Era (1867-1912), before a drastic change came about in the merging of shrines and temples. The number ...

Buddhist bash offers up some spiritual relief

Apr 19, 2013

Buddhist bash offers up some spiritual relief

by Tomoko Otake

Most Japanese people come in contact with Buddhist priests on formal occasions, such as when a family member passes away. But a cross-denominational group of young Buddhist monks is trying to change that — by putting together a unique cultural event involving three Buddhist ...

Artist creates Yokohama bodhisattvas

May 20, 2012

Artist creates Yokohama bodhisattvas

by Eriko Arita

Eleven bodhisattvas stand in formation, their heads crowned and their almond-shaped eyes and faces dusted with gold. The scene could be a reenactment of a painting, or a sculpture in a Buddhist temple or museum. But it’s not. It’s a scene beheld one recent ...