A local Buddhist priest in Japan has voiced his discontent over the city’s inertia amid his temple pond drying up. The state of the pond is not only affecting the aesthetic charm of the temple but also threatens local wildlife. The priest calls for responsible action from the municipal government to address this urgent environmental issue.

In Japan, temples hold significant cultural and religious value and are often a central part of local communities. Local administration is generally expected to maintain not only the buildings themselves, but also their surroundings including ponds and gardens. The drying pond issue can spark debate on environmental preservation and the duties of government bodies in Japan.

In the US or EU, the responsibility of preserving historical and religious sites often lies with local administration bodies. However, discussions around the matter could be diverse, with one group prioritizing historical and environmental preservation, and another focusing on costs associated with such maintenance and restoration work.