Mr. Arise, a priest at Aki Kokubunji Temple, was inspired to become a monk when his elder brother, who had completed his training, said to his late father, "I was supposed to learn from you."

Although he was originally enrolled in a Buddhist university, Arise says that he could have taken a path other than being a monk after graduating from university because he liked making things.

His brother's words led him to think about what people who return from ascetic training are taught, what a monk is in the first place, and what life is all about. At the age of 20, Arise decided to become a monk.

Originally from Okayama Prefecture, Mr. Arise became the chief priest of Aki Kokubunji Temple in Higashihiroshima through various connections. There are two roles that he sees as "local temple.“

One is to interact with the local people and create something with them. At Aki Kokubunji Temple, the annual Tondo Festival is held to pray for good health and happiness for the year by bringing New Year's pine ornaments, shimenawa , and Kakizome（the first day of writing).

The work of assembling pine trees and bamboos for this festival is also done in cooperation with local people. The second is the role of the Terakoya as an emotional education for the children who will carry the future.

"Balance and a smile are important, and it's good to laugh off everything. " Mr. Arise says this with a loud laugh, who also runs a guest house, aiming to make the temple open to the community.

The experience at MICHISHIRUBE allows you to have an experience that can only be had at a temple. In the midst of your busy daily life, how about stopping for a moment to calm down and enjoy the experience?