Beatboxing Buddhist monk

Beatboxing monk Yogetou Akasaka is mixing it up on YouTube after the Coronavirus pandemic put a halt to his usual monastic work.

During lockdown, Akasaka swapped officiating funerals and memorial services for laying down beats and looping mantras.

Having been beatboxing for 15 years, he now combines his vocal percussion with traditional religious Buddhist chants.

His "Heart Sutra Looping remix" has already racked up almost a million views, giving the musical monk a new insight into the power of breaks and beats.

Akasaka: “I just realised that I can just spread my stuff not only in Japan, but to, like, in the world."

With Japanese youth often associating Buddhism with death and funeral rites, Akasaka hopes his music will give them a fresh perspective on the religion.

Akasaka: “So, maybe if my music attracts younger people, it will be a good opportunity for them to know about the Buddhism." View Less