Lonesome Buddhist temple comes alive after adopting cute anime characters

By YUSUKE KATO, Asahi Shimbun, May 19, 2014

Tokyo, Japan -- The Shoeizan Ryohoji temple tucked away in a residential area in western Tokyo has more than 400 years of history. But until a few short years ago, many locals didn’t even know the Nichiren Shu sect Buddhist temple was there.

Spreading Buddhism via old-style storytelling

by Takeshi Nishide, Japan Times, Feb 6, 2014

OSAKA, Japan -- In an effort to broaden the understanding of Buddhism among the lay population, some followers are using a traditional form of Japanese storytelling as a teaching tool.

Funeral gripes fuel Buddhist rethink

by Takeshi Nishide, Japan Times, Dec 4, 2013

Kyoto, Japan -- An increasing number of Buddhist priests are re-evaluating funeral services amid rapidly changing attitudes over the way they are conducted.

Some Buddhist temples now accepting ashes through the mail

By SHIGEYORI MIYAMOTO, Asahi Shimbun, December 30, 2013

Tokyo, Japan -- A small number of Buddhist temples are being accused of blatant commercialism for providing burial services for cremated remains sent through the mail for one affordable and convenient fee.

Japanese Buddhists organize ‘monks without borders’

by John Hofilena, Japan Daily Press, Dec 17, 2013

Japanese Buddhists organize ‘monks without borders’

Kyoto, Japan -- A group of Buddhists in Japan have formed an organization called “Monks Without Borders,” aiming to unite different Buddhist sects in tackling global issues such as poverty. The new group is similar in name and in concept to organizations already created by doctors and reporters, and the monks recently held their inaugural meeting in the city of Kyoto.