http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jRK1Vs55B3f_ZtJuVIVcqqY23IiQ?index=1
HACHIOJI, Japan — Girls clad in maids’ outfits are not traditionally associated with Buddhism, but that has not stopped monks at a centuries-old temple using Japanese pop culture to woo visitors.
The Ryohoji temple, built in the late 16th century in a Tokyo suburb, erected a colourful manga-inspired sign at its entrance in June and has since seen visitor numbers perk up — especially young men.
But it went a step further at the weekend, setting up tents and opening up a temporary cafe staffed by bonnet-wearing girls sporting classic frills, one of the recent popular themes among fans of anime and costume role-playing.
The “maids” look authentic and old-fashioned in every way — save for the short length of the skirts and the fake cats’ ears on their heads.
