On March 6, a group of 19 young people from 15 countries of Asia and Oceania visited Chion-in Temple, Jodo Shu's head temple, in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. After viewing the "Miei-do" hall and the "Sanmon" gate, both of which are National Treasures, the party attended a lecture about the history and introduction of Buddhism into Japan, as well as Honen, the founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism.

Attendants were invited by the Japan Foundation under its Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Programme. From March 2, lawyers and other people who are engaged in human rights and education work, who are aged 35 and under, have been taking part in a two week study session with the theme of peace in various regions of Japan.

At Chion-in Temple, the group attended a lecture given by Yoshiharu Tomatsu of Jodo Shu Research Institute about the propagation of Buddhism and its present situation in Japan, and intently asked about Honen who advocated the spirit "Tomoiki," which means everyone coexists.