Shinto Shrine Distressed By Resale Of Amulets
Fans of the hit manga series and animated film "Kimetsu no Yaiba," or "Demon Slayer," are flocking to a shrine in southwestern Japan because of its association with the franchise. But shrine officials say they are puzzled by online resale of amulets.
Hachiman Kamado Shrine in Beppu City is regarded as a holy place. Kamado is the surname of the series' protagonist and the shrine has demon-related legends.
The shrine sells amulets and red-seal certificates that show the date of worship at the site, but NHK has learned that some of them are being resold online or offered on internet auctions.
Amulets are sold at the shrine for about 10 dollars each and certificates about 5 dollars. But they are being resold online at much higher prices, confusing shrine officials.
The shrine's chief priest, Nishimoto Takahide, says he has mixed feelings as the blessed items are being traded as simply merchandise. He says reselling the items should be stopped as they have an effect only when they are given to someone in person.
Kimetsu no Yaiba is a story about a boy who fights demons that killed his family members. The animated movie adapted from the manga series has already raked in about 200 million dollars.
