Pink Ribbon Month at a local temple

I was so very impressed by Saimyo Temple in Kawagoe when I visited this past weekend. (Check out my review on City-cost here). Not least of all, because they are having a pink ribbon month to create awareness about breast cancer. And throughout the year they have different events to disseminate information about important social issues. It is so unusual for temples in Japan to have events like these.

Pink Ribbon Festival 

As part of the four week long event the temple is giving out pink ribbon version stickers of the temple's mascots. One of their floral water fonts has pink flowers for the occasion. And they have information about breast cancer and the pink ribbon movement available on the grounds.

Moreover, they are lighting the temple up pink at night for the period of the campaign. Except last night - for national coming out day this LGBTQ+ friendly temple lit the temple up in the colors of the rainbow. One color at a time for one hour. I haven't seen the light up yet, so I don't have a photo of it. But I am glad of the excuse to go back to the temple again soon!

It is really nice to see a local temple embracing change and doing its bit to promote the well being of its community. Lots of temples have seasonal light up to attract visitors to the temple, but it is unusual (in my experience) to see them doing it to promote awareness of important issues. I really am impressed by Saimyouji Temple and its priest and hope to do my bit to support their cause/s.

If you are interested in reading more about the temple, there is more detailed information on the temple in English here (click).