The following slightly edited report is from the Australian: An aggrieved monk and his band of truculent acolytes have formed the first Japanese union for temple workers. The fledgling union, ...

For all its involvement in 20th century technology and innovation, Japan still reveres its centuries old traditions and rituals. It is a dedication that brings seven million Japanese a year to Nagano ...

A major Japanese Buddhist temple withdrew Friday from a plan to host the Beijing Olympics torch relay, citing safety concerns and sympathy among its monks and worshippers for pro-Tibet protesters.