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Buddhist monks seek donations

Buddhist monks from the Koyasan Shingon Sect gather at their temple before visiting houses in Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 23, 2026, for an annual event to collect donations.

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[Breaking News]Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

KYOTO, Japan, Dec. 12 Kyodo - Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kuma," meaning bear, with a calligraphy brush during the annual kanji-of-the-year event on Dec. 12, 2025. The character was chosen to symbolize the national mood for the year due to frequent bear sightings and related incidents across Japan, as well as attention to the return of pandas - written with characters meaning "bear" and "cat" - to China. (Kyodo)

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Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

KYOTO, Japan, Dec. 12 Kyodo - Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kuma," meaning bear, with a calligraphy brush during the annual kanji-of-the-year event on Dec. 12, 2025. The character was chosen to symbolize the national mood for the year due to frequent bear sightings and related incidents across Japan, as well as attention to the return of pandas - written with characters meaning "bear" and "cat" - to China. (Kyodo)

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Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kuma," meaning bear, with a calligraphy brush during the annual kanji-of-the-year event on Dec. 12, 2025. The character was chosen to symbolize the national mood for the year due to frequent bear sightings and related incidents across Japan, as well as attention to the return of pandas - written with characters meaning "bear" and "cat" - to China.

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Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kuma," meaning bear, with a calligraphy brush during the annual kanji-of-the-year event on Dec. 12, 2025. The character was chosen to symbolize the national mood for the year due to frequent bear sightings and related incidents across Japan, as well as attention to the return of pandas - written with characters meaning "bear" and "cat" - to China.

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Kanji for "bear" chosen as best to characterize 2025

Seihan Mori, chief Buddhist priest of Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, writes the kanji character "kuma," meaning bear, with a calligraphy brush during the annual kanji-of-the-year event on Dec. 12, 2025. The character was chosen to symbolize the national mood for the year due to frequent bear sightings and related incidents across Japan, as well as attention to the return of pandas - written with characters meaning "bear" and "cat" - to China.

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Street fundraising by Buddhist monks

Buddhist monks from World Heritage-listed Kinpusenji Temple head out for their annual year-end street fundraising campaign in Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, on Dec. 1, 2025.

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Nationwide street fundraising by Buddhist monks

A Tendai Buddhist monk from Enryakuji, a temple located on Mt. Hiei in the western Japan city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, visits a home in the city to seek donations on Dec. 1, 2025. The annual street fundraising campaign by the Tendai temples across Japan takes place in over 50 locations nationwide, with proceeds to be donated to such organizations as the Japanese Red Cross Society.

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Nationwide street fundraising by Buddhist monks

Tendai Buddhist monks from Enryakuji, a temple located on Mt. Hiei in the western Japan city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, walk around houses in the city to seek donations on Dec. 1, 2025. The annual street fundraising campaign by Tendai temples across Japan takes place in over 50 locations nationwide, with proceeds to be donated to such organizations as the Japanese Red Cross Society.

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Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. ILE DE FRANCE. ESSONNE (91) EVRY. KHANH ANH VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST PAGODA (THE LARGEST IN EUROPE) Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. ILE DE FRANCE. ESSONNE (91) EVRY. KHANH ANH VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST PAGODA (THE LARGEST IN EUROPE) Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. ILE DE FRANCE. ESSONNE (91) EVRY. KHANH ANH VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST PAGODA (THE LARGEST IN EUROPE) Photo by Bruno De Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Buddhist Devotees Mark Guru Purnima - India

Buddhist monks and devotees offer prayers during Guru Purnima or Asari Purnima, the full moon day of July, in a Buddhist temple in Agartala on July 10, 2025. The sacred day commemorates the beginning of Tathagata Buddha’s 45-year journey of sharing his teachings for the well-being of all sentient beings. Observed across the Buddhist world, Guru Purnima honors spiritual teachers and marks the start of the traditional monastic Rains Retreat known as Vassa Vāsa. Followers gather in temples for meditation, chanting, and ceremonial offerings, deepening their spiritual practice during the auspicious period. The atmosphere is filled with reverence as communities pay homage to the Dharma and recommit to the path of compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom. The annual observance underscores the vital role of the guru in guiding seekers toward liberation. Photo by Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lake-jumping religious ritual

A Buddhist monk jumps into Lake Biwa from a height of about 7 meters in the Shiga Prefecture city of Omihachiman, western Japan, on Aug. 1, 2025, as he completes 100 days of mountain training. The traditional ritual at Isaki-ji temple dates back about 1,300 years.

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Lake-jumping religious ritual

A Buddhist monk jumps into Lake Biwa from a height of about 7 meters in the Shiga Prefecture city of Omihachiman, western Japan, on Aug. 1, 2025, as he completes 100 days of mountain training. The traditional ritual at Isaki-ji temple dates back about 1,300 years.

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Lake-jumping religious ritual

A Buddhist monk jumps into Lake Biwa from a height of about 7 meters in the Shiga Prefecture city of Omihachiman, western Japan, on Aug. 1, 2025, as he completes 100 days of mountain training. The traditional ritual at Isaki-ji temple dates back about 1,300 years.

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Illustration - Paris

FRANCE. ILE DE FRANCE. ESSONNE (91) EVRY. KHANH ANH VIETNAMESE BUDDHIST PAGODA (THE LARGEST IN EUROPE) Photo by Bruno de Hogues/Only Paris/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Poson Poya Day - Sri Lanka

Buddhist devotees participate in a religious ritual on Poson Poya Day at a temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, June 10, 2025. Poson Poya Day marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Poson Poya Day - Sri Lanka

Buddhist devotees participate in a religious ritual on Poson Poya Day at a temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, June 10, 2025. Poson Poya Day marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Fire at building near Buddhist temple in Seoul

Monks and other onlookers watch as firefighters respond to a fire in a building next to Jogye Temple, the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, in downtown Seoul, South Korea, on June 10, 2025.

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Fire at building near Buddhist temple in Seoul

Monks and other onlookers watch as firefighters respond to a fire in a building next to Jogye Temple, the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, in downtown Seoul, South Korea, on June 10, 2025.

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Fire at building near Buddhist temple in Seoul

Smoke billows from a fire in a building next to Jogye Temple, the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, in downtown Seoul, South Korea, on June 10, 2025.

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South Korea: Fire Breaks Out at Buddhist Memorial Hall in Jogyesa Temple, Seoul

A fire broke out in the international conference room of the Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall at Jogyesa Temple, in Jongno district, Seoul, on Tuesday morning, June 10. No casualties have been reported as of writing.

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Returned Buddhist statue on public display

A 14th-century Buddhist statue recently returned to Japan from South Korea is displayed to the public at a museum on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture on May 16, 2025. Stolen from the island's Kannonji temple in 2012, the statue was returned on May 12, 2025, after South Korea's Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that the temple is its rightful owner.

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Stolen Buddhist statue returned to Japan

TSUSHIMA, Japan, May 12 Kyodo - A 14th-century Buddhist statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva sits at Kannon Temple on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 12, 2025. The statue, stolen in October 2012 and taken to South Korea, was returned to the temple the same day. (Kyodo)

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Devotees Pray at Buddha Temple - India

Buddhist Monk covers a statue of Buddha with an umbrella on a rainy day, while Devotees offer prayers to Buddha on the occasion of Buddha Purnima in a Buddha Temple at Agartala in Tripura, India on May 12, 2025. Photo by Abhisek Saha/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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[Breaking News]Stolen Buddhist statue returned to Japan

TSUSHIMA, Japan, May 12 Kyodo - A 14th-century Buddhist statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva sits at Kannon Temple on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 12, 2025. The statue, stolen in October 2012 and taken to South Korea, was returned to the temple the same day. (Kyodo)

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Stolen Buddhist statue returned to Japan

A box containing the statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, a 14th-century Buddhist statue, is unloaded from a truck as it arrives at Kannon Temple on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 12, 2025. The statue, stolen in October 2012 and taken to South Korea, was returned to the temple.

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Stolen Buddhist statue returned to Japan

A box containing the statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, a 14th-century Buddhist statue, is carried into Kannon Temple on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 12, 2025. The statue, stolen in October 2012 and taken to South Korea, was returned to the temple.

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Stolen Buddhist statue returned to Japan

A truck carries a 14th-century Buddhist statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva upon its arrival on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of May 12, 2025. The statue, stolen in October 2012 and taken to South Korea, was being returned to Kannon Temple on Tsushima.

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Stolen Buddhist statue returned to Japan

A 14th-century Buddhist statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva sits at Kannon Temple on Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 12, 2025. The statue, stolen in October 2012 and taken to South Korea, was returned to the temple the same day.