A free browser-based shooting game called "Bonno Shooting" was pre-released on March 3, 2026. Developed by Jinjabukkaku Online Co., Ltd. (Kyoto City), the game brings the world of Buddhism to life in a fun and accessible way. Players take control of an adorable monk character named Bon-chan and shoot down "bonno" — the Buddhist concept of worldly desires and mental distractions. As players advance through the game, they naturally pick up Buddhist teachings such as the "Roku Haramitsu" (Six Perfections). The game is free to play on both smartphones (Android/iOS) and PC browsers, with no app download or store registration required.
The gameplay is simple yet surprisingly deep. Players accumulate virtue (merit) by fending off waves of incoming bonno, and upon clearing each stage, they receive words of Buddhist wisdom. Future updates are planned to allow players to submit their own original bonno names, which may be added to the game in subsequent updates. Following the pre-release period, the full release is scheduled for March 10, 2026 (Wednesday), incorporating improvements based on user feedback.
Game Highlights
Supervised by a Real Buddhist Monk — The game's development supervisor is Hideaki Kawamura, deputy head priest of Daiko-ji Temple (Pure Land Buddhism sect), also known by his nickname "Otaku Monk." Drawing on his own experiences, he aimed to create entertainment content that sparks genuine interest in Buddhism.
Buddhism Meets Play — More than just a shooter, the game incorporates Buddhist knowledge as players progress. Buddhist terms and sutra words are unlocked at each stage clear and can be collected, allowing players to learn the meanings of Buddhist terminology while they play.
Multi-Platform & Free — Compatible with both smartphones and PC. Basic gameplay is free, and no store registration or download is required, making it accessible to a wide range of age groups.
Fan Participation — After the full release, the official website and social media channels will accept "bonno name proposals" from the public. Winning submissions will be added to future game updates, making it a fan-driven experience that invites more people to engage with Buddhism.
Developer's Message
"Bonno binds our hearts, but if we can learn about it in a fun way through a game, it becomes an opportunity to look inward. We hope that being able to encounter Buddhism anytime and anywhere will give more people the chance to appreciate the depth of temples and Buddhism, and the wisdom it offers for living."
Story
Bon-chan is an ordinary person (bonbu) whose bonno keeps overflowing. By reciting sutras, he tries desperately to rid himself of these worldly desires. Use the power of sutra chanting to shoot down the ceaseless bonno in your heart! Sometimes, activate the special move "Bonno-Soku-Bodai" (earthly desires lead to enlightenment) using the merits accumulated through the practice of the Six Perfections, and raise the level of your "busshō" — the Buddha-nature seed within your own heart that holds the potential for enlightenment.
The game is available to play for free at https://bonno-taisan.jinjabukkaku.online/. More information can be found on the official website at https://jinjabukkaku.online/bonno-shooting/.
