Kodo Nishimura

Kodo Nishimura (西村 宏堂, Nishimura Kōdō, born February 13, 1989 in Tokyo) is a Japanese Buddhist monk and makeup artist. He is active in both Japan and the United States. He is gay and an advocate for LGBTQ people who spends time teaching transgender women how to apply makeup. He splits his time equally between his work as a makeup artist and his work as a priest. He realized that he could be both a Buddhist priest and a makeup artist as long as his goal was to spread Buddhist beliefs about living in happiness and harmony with others.

Kodo Nishimura in 2020

Quotes

• The most important message of our denomination is to let people know that we can all be saved regardless of our sexuality, gender or fashion preferences.
  • "The Monk In Mascara: The Gender Fluid Monk Who Divides His Time Between Makeup Artistry and a Tokyo Monastery" (June 05, 2020)

• In other words, people of all colors shine their own color
  • A Monk Who Wears Heels (March 5, 2022)
• Because I am a different shape and color, I can fill the space that’s missing in a big puzzle piece and complete the picture
  • NHK WORLD-JAPAN  "Kodo Nishimura blends his duties as a Buddhist monk with work as a makeup artist"
• Don’t hide your honesty in the shadows! Be who you really are and let your heart blossom!
  • web page on Instagram (April 4, 2023)