Nishi Hongwanji Temple, the headquarters of the Hongwanji School of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, has produced new goods available only at the temple, such as Netsuke charms and ball-point pens with a roughly two-centimeter doll of the popular character "Hello Kitty."

Commemorating the restoration of the Goeido Hall, an Important Cultural Property, Nishi Hongwanji Temple produced and sold bead straps with Hello Kitty for cell-phones this spring. The item became popular not only among temple followers, but also among Hello Kitty fans, so a second line of goods was planned.

This time, Kitty is dressed in a formal costume for a Buddhist ritual: she has "Monto Shikisho," a piece of brocaded fabric, around her neck and holds a liturgy called "Gongyo Seiten" in her right hand and a Nenju rosary in her left hand. Netsuke charms cost 525 yen, and ball-point pens are 630 yen. Both are available at the book center in the Nishi Hongwanji Temple grounds.