Following the July screenings of the NHK WORLD-JAPAN documentary A Monk Who Wears Heels, Japan House London is delighted to present an online talk with its star, Kodo Nishimura. A Buddhist monk, makeup artist and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, Nishimura is also the author of the book This Monk Wears Heels: Be Who You Are. Join us for an online Q&A session, during which Kodo Nishimura elaborates on topics he addresses in the documentary and his book, such as self-acceptance, freedom of expression through fashion and how Buddhist teachings can help one to embrace one’s identity.

The event is structured around questions submitted by guests who participated in the documentary screenings of A Monk Who Wears Heels at Japan House London. At the end of the talk there also will be a chance for participants watching live on Zoom to ask their own questions.

Kodo Nishimura’s book This Monk Wears Heels: Be Who You Are, including some signed copies, is available in the Shop at Japan House London throughout June and July.

About the speaker

Kodo Nishimura

Kodo Nishimura is an artist, Buddhist monk, and LGBTQ+ rights activist. He was born in Tokyo in 1989. After graduating from Parsons School of Design in New York, he pursued his career as a makeup artist, working behind the scenes of Miss Universe and NY Fashion Week. In 2015, Kodo trained to be a monk and was certified by the Pure Land school. As an activist, he has spoken at numerous conferences and events, addressing Buddhism and diversity, LGBTQ+ rights and social inclusion. He has appeared on television shows and in fashion magazines, both in Japan and abroad. His book This Monk Wears Heels: Be Who You Are has been published in Japanese and translated into English, German, French, Estonian, Spanish and Italian.