Editorial photo #1319252 Human Interest

Ruriden, futuristic alters in Tokyo.

Glass Buddha alters are lit up in Koukokuji temple on July 7, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. Operated by the Koukokuji buddhist temple, The Ruriden columbarium at the Koukoko-ji Temple houses over 2,046 crystal Buddha statues, each illuminated by high-powered LED lights. Behind each Buddha is a drawer storing people's ashes. An IC card allows the owner of the alter to access the building and lights up the corresponding statue. The ashes are stored for 33 years before being buried below the Ruriden, currently 900 alters are in use as of July 2016. (Photo by Richard Atrero de Guzman/NurPhoto)