Monks and nuns in dazzling robes had taken to the catwalk. Some even chanted sutras in music clubs, while temples have rolled out match-making services, cafes and even a beauty salon.

Japan has seen such trendy outreach methods to lure more young people to the Buddhist faith and temples in recent years.

And the latest? An all-girl ‘pop’ group hopes to shake up the sacred world through their animated song and dance numbers.

Called ‘Tera Palms’ (Temple Palms), the five-member band was formed by student Chihiro Hashimoto, who recruited her university pals to carry out their mission to be the new ambassadors of the religion, reported Kyoto News.

The group is on a 10-day tour to promote the faith of the ‘Pure Land’ or Jodo sect at performances at five temples in the ancient capital of Kyoto.

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University girls form Buddhist pop group in Kyoto

Source:

JuYaFes Facebook

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They will perform rousing numbers such as the theme song from hit anime series, Ikkyu-san, which is based on the historical Buddhist monk Ikkyū.

They have also roped in the services of famous Buddhist personality Ryuho Ikeguchi from Chion-in temple, the head temple of the Pure Land sect.

The monk, who is in his 30s, is known for reaching out to the young through unconventional methods, such as distributing a free magazine in Kyoto and Tokyo, and engaging them at non-religious events.

Creating a distinctive branding is important, so the girls have each taken on stage names of Buddhist saints, and you will see them dressed in five different colours – purple, red, white, yellow and green – each representing a type of spiritual quality such as patience, generosity, peace, firm attitude and strong life.

After performing, they will recite Buddhist sutras with monk Ryuho.

Apart from the attendance of millions at temples on New Year’s Day, many young Japanese have shunned the practice of the Buddhist faith in their daily lives over the decades.

And it does not help when more than half a million young people in Japan have chosen to live isolated lives, according to a survey released by the government in September.

The survey found that 541,000 people, aged 15 to 39, preferred to stay at home home for six months or more instead of going to school, work or venturing out to socialise, reported Japan Times.

chenj@sph.com.sg