COOL JAPANESE SCENE

A restored "Zushi," or special cabinet holding Buddhist icons, was exposed to the media on August 19 at the Goeido Hall of Nishi Hongwanji Temple, headquarters of the Hongwanji School of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto. In repair work conducted for the first time in about 50 years, gold leaf was reapplied to the Zushi, reviving its shiny appearance.

 
More than 300 "Mikuji Daruma," a famous Daruma doll containing a fortune slip, are placed all around the precincts of Sanpouji Temple, Narutaki Matsumoto-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, creating a unique, charming atmosphere. Visitors who bought the dolls seem to have abandoned them, but the reasons remain unknown. Temple officials have been left wondering, speculating, "People may have drawn a fortune slip telling them they will have bad luck."

 
The Organization of Hikone Shopping Arcade in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, will held "Kigurumi Summit," or a costumed character festival, for two days on October 25 and 26. Headed by Hikonyan, a very popular character which originated in Hikone, a variety of costumed characters called "yurukyara," or relaxing cute mascots, will get together from around Japan for this event. The organization has already sent each character an invitation card in Hikonyan's name, anticipating that this event will be a good opportunity for the various local characters to become better known.