02 January 2024

Fujii Akinori, Chief Priest at Shakain Buddhist Temple in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, is also a regional champion in timed-obstacle drone races. 

In addition to tending to spiritual needs, Akinori has held drone races in the temple's main hall, with competitors invited (and attending) from all over Japan.

"It was the biggest crowd we've ever had in the temple," he says. "It was fantastic."

A drone race course is not something you'd typically see in a Buddhist Temple, but Akinori sees droning as an avenue to revitalizing the local community. Along with the city, he even helped organized a major drone event in September 2023.

"I hope to attract more people to our city through drones—which can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age," he says. "I'll continue to do my best."

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO ON NHK-WORLD JAPAN