The Seki-Zenkoji temple in Japan has been busier than ever since the World Cup.
One of the undoubted stars of the World Cup was Japan’s goal-kicking fullback Ayumu Goromaru.
The 29-year-old, who will play Super Rugby with Queensland Reds next year, was already one of his country’s most recognisable sports stars before the tournament. Star turns against the likes of South Africa and the USA have seen his popularity rise in the land of the rising sun.
That popularity has led to a spike in visits to a particular Buddhist statue in central Japan.
The reason? Said statue strikes a similar pose to Goromaru when he is kicking for goal.
“Each weekend,” says Shunkai Sato, the high priest of the temple, “we have about a thousand people a day coming to pay tribute to the statue.”
Sato is delighted with the influx of visitors and believes that many feel closer to Buddhism having made the visit.
