On June 21, 2026, an event was held at Ryuganji Temple in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, to recreate the "Raiko" (coming of Amida Buddha accompanied by 25 bodhisattvas) – a ritual where Amida Buddha visits those chanting Buddhist prayers – using drones. Worshippers cheered and pointed their smartphones at the sight of drones carrying numerous bodhisattvas flying through the temple hall.
The Raiko has traditionally been depicted in paintings and sculptures. The "Amida Buddha and 25 Bodhisattvas Raiko" (National Treasure) at Chion-in Temple (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City) is particularly famous. Ryuganji Temple, using the latest technology to help people understand the meaning of Raiko, has been using "drone Buddhas" since 2018, carrying 3D-printed Buddha statues on drones. Previously, the limit was a formation flight of 18 drones.
This event was held as part of the "Gyoki Taikai" (Great Memorial Service for the sect's founder, Honen). As the head priest chanted "Namu Amida Butsu," a total of 29 drones, depicting Amida Buddha, 25 Bodhisattvas, and lotus flowers, floated one after another into the hall.
The 29 drones approached the center of the outer sanctuary from the inner sanctuary, their motors humming, and flew up and down, and in circles. Worshippers listened to the chanting of Buddhist prayers and the sounds of gagaku (ancient Japanese court music) while watching this fusion of traditional Buddhist rituals and 21st-century technology.
The head priest stated, "It took eight years to complete the descent of Amida Buddha and the 25 Bodhisattvas. This marks a milestone, and I feel like I've reached a graduation ceremony. I want to continue working to spread Buddhism further, while considering expressions that are appropriate for the times."
