Seiji Chihara acted inappropriately as an advisor to the Japan Buddhist Association. After the representative director warned him, “He expressed his wish to resign.

Japan Buddhist Association Explains

　On March 30, the Japan Buddhist Association explained how Seiji Chihara of the comedy duo Chihara Brothers resigned as an advisor to the Japan Buddhist Association. Video: Seiji Chihara shows the “Japanese carving” on his back. The association announced, “Due to the number of inquiries we have received, we would like to inform you of the circumstances that led to his resignation. Seiji Chihara behaved inappropriately as an advisor to the Association in May, and when the representative director of the Japan Buddhist Association warned him about it, he expressed his wish to resign. We are very sorry, but please understand that it is difficult for the Association to provide any further answers regarding this matter, and we are unable to accept any further inquiries”. In May 2024, Chihara wrote on Instagram, “Today, I had a ceremony to receive ordination. I became the monk Yasuken Chihara of the Tendai sect. Thank you for your continued support.” He reported that he had become a monk. In November of the same year, he also announced that he had become an advisor to the Japan Buddhist Association.