Here in Japan, LGBTQ+ marriage is still not legally recognized. This is not only unjust, but is also a source of embarrassment and shame for many of the supporters of LGBTQ+ rights in Japan. After all, the native Japanese religion, Shinto, has no prohibitions against homosexuality, and indeed it has been a significant part of Japanese history. Importantly, though, it has also never been prohibited in Japanese Buddhism.
And there are many Buddhists who have been supporting LGBTQ+ people. Let us introduce you to Saimyoji Temple.
The History of the Temple
Also known as “Yokoyama Saimyouji,” Saimyouji Temple was founded in 834CE on the outskirts of Kawagoe, in Saitama prefecture, meaning that it is less than a few hours from central Tokyo. It is a temple that is not only older than many countries, but has been historically significant at many points in its history.
Not only was it visited by the shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo — who was praying for victory — but it was also once burned by Oda Nobunaga, a warlord during the Warring States Period, and one of the most significant figures in Japanese history. Luckily, however, the main hall and its three-story pagoda survived the fire, and today are designated as national treasures.
Ever since the Edo period, it has been used not just as a temple for prayer, but also as a place of training for monks, which remains true to this day.
LGBTQ+ Allyship
Despite a centuries-old tradition not to offer weddings to anyone who has no relationship with the church, Saimyoji Temple in 2020 decided to begin offering wedding services to anyone who was interested, no matter their sexuality, nationality, or anything else about their background, according to Tokyo Weekender.
Quoted in the article, the 57th Head Priest of the temple, Akihiro Senda, who spent two years studying Buddhism in India, said:, “the aim of all religions, including Buddhism, is to help people.”
The services began shortly after Saitama decided to become part of the many areas in Japan that offer the partnership oath system. Despite this system today being widespread across Japan, very few Buddhist temples will offer ceremonies for same gender couples. The reason that Saimyoji Temple does is thanks to the dedication and empathy of Senda, who told Tokyo Weekender:
“If a monk refuses wedding services to LGBT couples, it’s because they, as individuals, are against it.”
In addition to its open-minded and compassionate Head Priest, Saimyoji Temple is also an attractive location for a wedding thanks to its beautiful floral fonts. At Saimyoji Temple, the fonts — typically used for washing hands — are instead dedicated to floating flowers, to the delight and joy of anyone who visits.
For those in Japan who are of Buddhist faith, no matter who you are or where you are from, know the Saimyoji Temple is a friend. Although marriage equality remains out of reach in Japan — for now — there are those who believe that doing the right thing and recognizing love for what it is, and being open to the lives of your fellow human beings, is the most important thing that a religious organization — or an individual — can do.
