Japan's religious groups and schools snap up corporate bonds

Inflation drives nonprofits to shift cash into higher-yielding assets

Monks rehearse ringing the bell a few days before the actual New Year's Eve ritual at the Chion-in temple in Kyoto, the headquarters of the Jodo Shu Buddhist sect. © Kyodo

TAKAHISA TAMURA

January 12, 2026 05:16 JST

TOKYO -- As bond issuances by Japanese corporations are on track to reach a record this fiscal year, religious and educational institutions whose finances have been impacted by inflation are making an unlikely appearance as major purchasers of the instruments.