Buddha statues switched with fakes

SHIZUOKA–Nine statues of Buddha have been stolen from temples and other places in five cities and towns in Shizuoka Prefecture since late July, with thieves using such methods as replacing them with fakes during the thefts, police said.

The about one-meter tall parqueted statue belongs to the Hozoji temple in the city. It is said to date from the late Muromachi period (1333-1568) and is only shown to the public once every 60 years.

full article here

As a Catholic who can have the body blood soul and divinity of Jesus at mass everyday if I wanted to I am surprised that treasures of Japanese Buddhism are often hidden from public view and even shown only every sixty years in the above case.  I appreciate that the treasure of my faith is so easily accessible.

Homeless in Japan

This very interesting site talks about a homeless area of Osaka called Kamagasaki.  It will probably take you fifteen minutes to look at each photo and read each caption but it is time well spent.

click here

The day that I first met my bearded friend (to the left), he walked up to me, and shook my hand. Then in perfect Queens English and with a sharp eye told me “Don’t underestimate me, I may be dressed in rags, but my mind is still sharp, and I haven’t lost my dignity. Now, close your gapping mouth and take a photo of me and my friend”. He was found dead on the street on a cold winter day, a few months after this photo was taken.