A robot has become a Buddhist priest in Japan

"Pepper" can lead Buddhist funerals
NipponNewsNet
Harriet Pavey24 August 2017

A Japanese robot has begun operating as a Buddhist priest after being programmed to conduct funerals.

“Pepper” chants sutras in a computerised voice while tapping a drum.

The robot was on display at a funeral fair – the “Life Ending Industry Expo” – in Tokyo.

It costs about £350 (50,000 yen) to hire Pepper to lead a funeral service, whereas a human Buddhist priest can cost up to £1,700 (240,000 yen), making the robot a cheaper alternative.

The robot has already been sized up by a real-life rival. Buddhist priest Tetsugi Matsuo visited the funeral expo to see if Pepper could "impart the 'heart' aspect to a machine because I believe that the 'heart' is the foundation of religion," he told Reuters.

Pepper was created by Japanese plastic company Nissei Eco Co. The company has also adapted the robot for other jobs including store greeter, home companion, marketer and waiter.

With Japan's population ageing and shrinking, many Buddhist priests receive less financial support from their communities, prompting some to find part-time work outside their temple duties, Michio Inamura, Nissei's executive adviser told Reuters.

The robot has not been hired to lead any funerals yet.

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