A Buddhist temple called Ryouhouji in Hachioji (a city located in the western Tokyo area) became known for its bold decision to put up a large billboard on its premises featuring moe characters and chibi mascots. This billboard apparently caused an increase in first time visitors to the site. Encouraged by this success, they took things a step further and decided to sell moe prepaid cards as souvenirs that enable access to a mobile phone site where you can listen to recorded prayers, plus download Flash animations and wallpaper images, all for just 500 yen (about $5 US).

Well, if Akiba can have moe shrines, then I guess Hachioji is entitled to have moe Buddhist temples. But it does make one wonder how religious people react to such shameless marketing efforts. By the way, no shrine maidens here--I'm not sure busty Buddhist nuns are even allowed to exist.