Buddhist Monk, Makeup Artist, and LGBTQ Activist

uddhist monks are typically trained to live austerely, wearing plain robes and few accessories. Kodo Nishimura does anything but. He tends to his family's temple in Tokyo while working as a makeup artist and LGBTQ activist. "I am both ancient and trendy," Nishimura, 32, says over Zoom from his home in the Japanese capital, wearing a Buddhist robe and just a little tinted lip balm. The day before, he worked 13 hours as the makeup director for the Miss Universe Japan finals, leading a team of six assistants to ensure contestants, judges and former winners all looked fabulous. His makeup career and activism landed him an appearance on Netflix's Queer Eye: We're in Japan! in 2019, and his clients include the musical sister duo Chloe x Halle and Christina Milian. In February, he is releasing his first English-language book, This Monk Wears Heels, an autobiography that weaves his personal story with Buddhist teachings.