With only five members, the march, as it was rather boldly called, was a little on the optimistic side. Similarly, the half-hearted outfits consisting of some (mostly) white clothes and mismatched coloured sheets appeared to suggest that things weren’t quite what they seemed. There again, it was all about peace, so their hearts were definitely in the right place. No doubt about that at all. Plus, despite the dubious wardrobe decisions, they looked wonderfully incongruous on a modern Tokyo crossing.
ellen says
What a contrast they make! 🙂
Lee says
Yes, they really did. A sight that was as nice to see as it was unexpected.
PaulS says
They are monks from a Tokyo Nichiren temple. It even has a web site in Japanese https://nipponzanmyohoji.org/tenku.htm
You can see the monks in action in this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d_57-fNOmk which is a Buddhist memorial service for Muhammad Ali.
Lee says
Cheers for that. Very interesting. Especially so the service for Muhammad Ali. I should have investigated further, but the seemingly unusual, almost careless mixture of clothing made me doubt the whole thing. Not the sincerity I should add, that was clearly there, just the organisational ties. But it just goes to show that appearance most definitely isn’t everything.
john says
It is indeed interesting; they seem to be a recent Nichiren bunch (1917) and ‘very peace’ – except maybe for watching the odd boxing match?
Lee says
With Ali being such a famous conscientious objector, I suppose that explains the service, but I do like the idea of them all sitting round cheering him on in the ring as well.
john says
that’s a good picture!