[TERA Energy Co., Ltd.] “Expo Temple,” a temple for over 250 monks, will be built at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on September 26th. Program details include gagaku (traditional Japanese court music)
performances, stand-up comedy sermons, and pre-funeral services. TERA Energy Co., Ltd. Press Release: September 16, 2025 To Members of the Media “Expo Temple,” a temple for over 250 monks, will be built at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on September 26th. Programs including gagaku (traditional Japanese court music) performances, stand-up comedy sermons, and pre-funeral services have been decided. ~Communicating the diversity of Japanese Buddhism to the world through authentic content that follows the etiquette of each sect~ TERA Energy Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: 18-124 Nishikyogoku Tsutsumigatomachi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City / Representative Director: Ryogo Takemoto / hereinafter referred to as “the Company”), a Kyoto City retailer of renewable energy-based electricity (Retail
Electricity Business Registration Number: A0582), is sponsoring a one-day-only event, “Expo Temple,” at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on Friday, September 26, 2025, where more than 250 monks will gather and present a variety of content. A diverse program has been decided, with monks from across Japan and across sects gathering to participate in everything from traditional rituals and ceremonies, such as gagaku (traditional Japanese court music) performances, stand-up comedy sermons, and funeral ceremonies, to innovative missionary initiatives. In addition to showcasing the “new forms of missionary work to reach modern people” that the monks have been exploring in their respective fields, the program will also provide an opportunity to explain the etiquette of each sect, and through this comprehensive program, they will communicate the current state of diverse Japanese Buddhism to the world. In response to the Expo’s theme, “Designing a Future Society for Life,” this event’s catchphrase is “Shoji Myaku Myaku,” which expresses the continuous connection between life and death, passed down without interruption. Based on the universal Buddhist perspective that “life is finite, and therefore the present is precious,” the exhibition highlights both the dynamic and static aspects of life, creating an opportunity for visitors to consider and experience the multifaceted value of life.
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/139953/10/139953-10-13af45e70479b690816dde387f7436f7-3900×2758.png From a universal Buddhist perspective, Banpakuji Temple sends out the message to the world that “Because life is finite, the present is precious.” Founded by a Buddhist monk, the company has actively engaged in activities to connect people, culture, and society under the philosophy of “weaving warm connections.” Through this new initiative, which transcends sectarian collaboration, the temple will provide a space where visitors can experience the “connection between life and death.” ◆Outline and Program Event Name: Expo Temple Date and Time: Friday, September 26, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM Venue: “Pop-up Stage East” at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 venue Access: Beyond the large roof ring near the East Gate. (Near the American and French Pavilions) ・Program (planned):
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/139953/10/139953-10-5211e82b040a67367e864d9c0f1a6ed2-760×654.png ・Experience (planned):
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/139953/10/139953-10-5808ede94aae5381b4c5c871aedce5f3-780×280.png ◆Thoughts of the event’s creator
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/139953/10/139953-10-ef12f2f03576dc08639c208abb6f0f74-1280×853.jpg Kouyu Tsuruno Deputy Chief Priest of Kakuenji Temple, Jodo Shinshu Honganji, and Director of TERA Energy Co., Ltd. “Monks gather at the Expo to spread Japanese Buddhism to the world” While this attempt may seem unusual at first glance, it is actually an extension of a process that has been repeated throughout history. The 1873 Vienna World’s Fair featured a display of Buddhist statues and temple models, and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair featured a Japanese pavilion modeled after the Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple. The World’s Parliament of Religions that same year brought together approximately 210 people from 41 religions. Four monks from Japan, representing various denominations, raised funds with their friends and non-denominational supporters and traveled overseas as individuals. Carrying the hopes of their supporters like a modern-day crowdfunding campaign, they spoke about Buddhism in English, encountered different religions, and confirmed each other’s values. Sometimes overwhelmed, sometimes with growing conviction, they continued to explore how to reach people today. The current “Expo Temple” is an extension of that challenge. If this challenge bears fruit, I hope that young monks who will lead the way for the next generation will inherit this spirit and build a new “Saudi Arabia Expo Temple” for the World Expo to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2030. I hope to connect the aspirations of our ancestors from Osaka to the world and to the future. Expo Temple is currently undergoing crowdfunding. For more information on the background to the project, please see this page.
https://readyfor.jp/projects/expo2025-banpakuji/preview?preview_token=4b3fd9b04dc9e85c3d1870c6d26087ef31fb02e4 ◆About TERA Energy Co., Ltd. TERA Energy Co., Ltd., founded by Buddhist monks, has a corporate philosophy of “weaving warm
connections” through the supply of renewable energy. With the “Expo Temple” as an opportunity, the company will work with a network of monks across sects to expand “places to reexamine life and death,” exploring activities that will encourage visitors to engage in dialogue and reflect on the preciousness of life. The company will continue to go beyond its energy business and take on new initiatives that connect people. ◆Company information Company name: TERA Energy Co., Ltd. Location: 18-124 Nishikyogoku Tsutsumi Sotocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City Representative: Ryogo Takemoto Representative number: 075-874-4851 F A X: 075-874-4852 Established: June 11, 2018 U R L : https://tera-energy.com/ Business Description: Sales of electricity primarily sourced from renewable energy sources (Retail Electricity Business Registration Number: A0582), support for social good activities
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/139953/10/139953-10-f5f8359d2893f88f2b747f0a9b68dfd2-390×321.png ◆Introduction of the monks participating in this event
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/139953/10/139953-10-d42caa5bdff97fc67fe58e1b49f9f0ea-1920×1080.png Asakura Gyosen Chief Priest of Shoonji Temple, Jodo Shinshu Honganji School / Creator of Techno Memorial Services He has invented a new style of memorial service that arranges traditional sutras with techno sounds. Matsuzaki Chikai (Matsuzaki Chikai) Chief Priest of Eimyo-ji Temple, Jodo Shinshu Honganji School / Influencer He has amassed approximately 18,400 followers through aggressive tweets on X. He has also experienced 10,000 buses. Hiroaki Nagata (Nagata Hiroaki) Chief Priest of Taishozan Shinjoji Temple, Jodo Shinshu Honganji Sect / Manzai Comedy Artist Formed the comedy duo Manzai Sermon Chemise and participated in the M-1 Grand Prix. He also works as a high school teacher. Takeda Masafumi (Takeda Masafumi) Chief Priest of Kozenji Temple, Jodo Shinshu Honganji School / YouTuber Legal affairs and counselor, as well as a YouTuber who runs the “Takeda Masafumi’s Buddhist Heart Channel.” Ikeguchi Ryuho (Ikeguchi Ryuho) Chief Priest of Ryuganji Temple, Jodo Sect / Author of “The Priest is a Single Father” Produces events that combine Buddhism and modern culture, such as Nembutsu festivals and Buddhist maid cafes. Ryugaku Nakagawa (Nakagawa Ryugaku) Deputy Chief Priest of Zuisenji Temple / Illustrator After leaving Recruit, he used the temple as his studio and worked as both an illustrator and a Buddhist monk. Tomomitsu Gashin (Tomomitsu Gashin) Tendai Buddhist Monk / Organizer of the Temple and Shrine Festival “Kogen” He is involved in interreligious activities, organizing festivals and performing live as a monk and DJ. Edahiro Kyoju (Edahiro Kyoju) Chief Priest of Sokoji Temple / Buddhist YouTuber While serving as the temple’s chief priest, he is also active as a YouTuber, running two channels.
