#kannon statue

[nobrashfestivity]

Juichimenkan Nonzo Eleven-faced Kannon statue

1 width, colored silk, hanging width, middle width, left and right, half width, length 169.0, width 90.0,

Heian period, 12th century

The eleven-faced Kannon is the most popular deity among the Henge Kannon, and has been actively created since the Nara period. This image is the only eleven-faced Kannon worship image on silk dating back to the Heian period, and is in an extremely good state of preservation. It is a masterpiece that represents Buddhist paintings in Japan, with its rich colors and large yet delicate kirikane pattern. At present, eleven faces are drawn above the head, including the Buddha face at the top, but near-infrared photographs and other sources have revealed that one face was altered during the production stage, and before the alteration, there were statues from the Nara period. It was a statue of ten faces above the head, which is common in Japan. In addition, unlike other Buddhist paintings in the late Heian period, the image of the principal image of Esoteric Buddhism is drawn diagonally to the left, unlike the usual front-facing image, and the special Yogan-in, with the palm of the right hand facing inward. It shows a distinctive image that cannot be seen. These iconographic features are thought to be based on the old iconography inherited in the land of Nara, and more specifically, there is a high possibility that the iconography established in the Nara period is the source. Another distinctive feature of this image is the strong vermillion kumadori applied to the Kannon's flesh, which is also thought to be a continuation of the tradition of old Buddhist paintings from the Nara period to the early Heian period. The Nara revival elements seen in this image can be said to be a common characteristic of Buddhist paintings related to Nara produced from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period. It is known from the ink inscription on the mounting that during the Edo period, it was considered the honjibutsu of Tatsuta Shingu, the guardian shrine of Horyu-ji Temple in Nara, and that it was also transmitted to Hoki-ji Temple near Horyu-ji Temple for a period of time.

Nara Museum

[emaadsidiki]

Rain and Kannon. (梅雨) Tsuyu in Tokyo, Japan.

[renegade-hierophant]

Sendai Tendou Byakue Daikannon (仙台天道白衣大観音), located in Sendai, Japan. It portrays the bodhisattva Byakue Kannon (白衣観音, "White-robed Kannon", a.k.a. The Goddess of Mercy) bearing the cintamani gem (如意宝珠, Nyoihōju) in her hand.

It is the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan and as of 2023 is the 8th tallest statue in the world at 100 metres (330 ft).

[seasonofthebxtch]

Sendai Daikannon statue, located in Sendai, Japan.

[artschoolglasses]

Nyoirin Kannon, Todai-ji

Nara, Japan

[cookinguptales]

Have you ever considered writing tabikaeru fic? I'd be fascinated to see what you'd do with that since I like your writing and your frog translations

You know, I hadn't ever considered it? But I probably could, if you really want to see it. I've been to a lot of the places that Glen (my little frog) has. And I can think of some places in Kyoto (where I went to school) that he'd probably enjoy.

My cute lil traveling man...

[cat-a-holic]

The story of Japan’s Kakure Kirishitan (Japanese for hidden Christians) is one of remarkable resilience and ingenuity. Forced underground by persecution in the 17th century, these communities practiced their faith in secret for over 200 years. One fascinating aspect of their survival strategy was the clever use of Buddhist imagery, particularly statues of Kannon, the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Mercy, to represent the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child.

[whencyclopedia]

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera, otherwise known as the 'Temple of the Pure Water Spring', is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. The site is famous for its impressive viewing platform, three-storey Koyasu pagoda and the medicinal pure waters of the Otowa Spring. Kiyomizu-dera is Kyoto's most popular tourist attraction, the Main Hall is an official National Treasure of Japan and the complex is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Foundation & Key Features

The Kiyomizu-dera temple is located on Mt. Otowa, part of the eastern hills on the outskirts of Kyoto. The temple belongs to the Buddhist Kita-Hosso sect and was founded in 778 CE by Enchin Shonin some 16 years before Heiankyo (the former name of Kyoto) was itself established as the new capital of Japan. Enchin Shonin was a priest from Nara, the capital of Japan from 710 to 784 CE, who claimed to have received a vision which directed him to the exact location of a spring, the Otowa spring which gives its name to the site. Even today, many visitors consider the waters of the spring to have magical properties and the three branches of it are each given a romantic association: health, longevity, and exam success. No wonder, then, that Kiyomizu is popular with both young and old, but if the reader visits in person and wishes to take the waters, remember that one should drink from one stream only, so choose wisely.

In 798 CE, the military leader of Japan, Sakanoue Tamuramaro, embellished the site with a large hall which was reassembled from its former position in the palace of Emperor Kammu (r. 781-806 CE). Kammu had decided to leave his old capital of Nara because of the overly strong influence the Buddhist monasteries had on the government there, and it was for this reason that the emperor permitted the building of new temples at Heiankyo only on the city's periphery. In any case, the southern monasteries continued to be influential and there was a particular and long-standing rivalry between the Kofukuji temple of Nara and the Kiyomizu-dera, the latter being, at least officially, a subsidiary of the former.

The temple complex is set in woodlands and entered via the monumental red and white Niomon Gate which, flanked by two massive statues of Buddhist guardian kings, was built in the 15th century CE. Next to it is the Sanjunoto pagoda. There is an additional gate at the west side of the estate, the Saimon Gate, which dates to the Momoyama Period (1568-1600 CE) and which is an official National Treasure of Japan. Within the wooded complex are the Hondo or Main Hall; a secondary hall similar in design to the Hondo, the Okunoin Hall; the Jishu Shrine and the Jeju-in garden which recreates famous landscape features mentioned in classic literature. Another hall, the Zuiguido Hall, is kept completely dark inside and is meant to represent the womb of Buddha's mother so that walking through it is a metaphor for one's spiritual rebirth.

One of the highlights of Kiyomizu-dera is the Koyasu, an impressive three-storey pagoda complete with spire, which was designed to house sacred texts and relics. Built between 1607 and 1633 CE, it is an excellent example of Momoyama architecture. The structure is another National Treasure of Japan and is particularly associated with granting trouble-free childbirth for those who visit it. Finally, Kiyomizu-dera is also the home of a famous statue of the bodhisattva of compassion Kannon (aka Kwannon or Guanyin in Chinese). The remarkable figure has ten heads, 1,000 arms, and is credited to Kiyomizu-dera's founder Enchin. Being classified as a 'hidden Buddha' or hibutsu, the figure is only displayed to the public every 33 years.

Continue reading...

[aho-dapa]

Tbh there's something about the way Ichigo, Kisuke, and Sōsuke are all reflecting off of each other in canon

Like this is sooooo influenced by my random uraichizen thoughts but

Like, considering Kisuke's Bodhisattva allegory with Guanyin/Kannon and his knowledge of the world, the idea that he preserves the status quo of the worlds by not actively doing anything in comparison to Sōsuke (from what we can see). He is a Bodhisattva in this sense. He's seen the truth, he teaches others the truth or hints at it because true Enlightenment can only be with the self. But.

Then there's the actual consequence of SS and what shinigami have to do to maintain the balance. Kisuke opposes Sōsuke and his views not because he believes it's right, but because he believes that the destruction of the worlds is not acceptable. It's a necessary evil.

Sōsuke has an ego with him wanting to become God, but there's also something almost tragic about his arc with reframing it from his perspective of Soul Society.

Soul Society is not a good place. Honestly horrible to live in. Especially when we find out that they sacrifice souls to hollows and vice versa in the name of balance.

Tbh, I ended up asking myself, from this viewpoint, is the Soul Society really worth protecting? Because it's goal is not about protecting people, but protecting the balance. Can the shinigami claim ignorance? Should they even be allowed to when they are complicit in destruction of lives? What would 'life' actually be considered in this universe? Do hollows deserve life as humans do? Except the SS ultimately sees both as a means to an end, hollows are just more of an obstacle.

Effwctively, shinigami are content sleeping on a bed of ground bones. I can see Sōsuke thinking this from a biased perspective.

But he's also not some savior either. He's arrogant and has a callousness to him that conflicts with this more sympathetic view of him.

His anger at Kisuke for knowing the truth of the world and not trying to change it seems genuine. There's an air of hypocrisy to his character I can't shake and it makes me wanna know more about why. Like the question of the greater evil vs the lesser evil.

Except Ichigo. He steps forward, finally knowing himself in full, to defeat Sōsuke, to defeat Yhwach, yet I can't help but feel like he's still so ignorant of the world he lives in. If he learned about their horrors, could he truly stand by in shadows waiting as Kisuke does, or would he become like another Sōsuke, for whatever reason. Or would he become a different path?

Sōsuke is also related to illusion and water, a reflection. We never see his bankai and I would even go so far as to think that he own powers don't work as they do in canon. There's still too many unknowns about him for me to be confident in them. But Ichigo’s own insights about Sōsuke's loneliness is just... it's so tempting to build off of that.

Because those feelings are likely a reflection of Ichigo from when he was a young age and his own confusing powers may have brought only more loneliness instead of understanding or connection.

I can't help but think that Kisuke represents Stagnation and Sōsuke represents Progess. Except poth come with an unsavory taste in the mouth. Kisuke waits, likely works towards a goal, bit it's far too slow for the people that have already suffered because of the world. Sōsuke steps forward, also hiding until he's sure of his strike, and he probably would have won if not for Ichigo. What is Ichigo then?

The only part of the Soul King that's named is his heart, which can bring about miracles, things unexplained due to emotions and desires. It acts similar to the Hōgyoku. Ichigo speculates that Sōsuke may have actually wanted to lose to him and that's... also a lot of implication about Sōsuke's character. There's also the idea that Sōsuke may have built Ichigo up. To what? Defeat him? Stand by his side? To make him less lonely? Or are these Ichigo’s unreliable feelings, are they simply Ichigo’s own reflected onto Sōsuke?

Both of Kisuke and Sōsuke's plans and views come with a price. And Ichigo remains ignorant, but he stills fights for everyone to not pay that price, even his enemies.

In a way, it's like Sōsuke decided to pay a huge price upfront to pay back later, Kisuke is frugal and making sure to balance everything while moving forward but that means people can't attain true wealth within their lifetime. Yhwach decided to destroy the concept itself despite that it means everyone will then have to pay that price.

Ichigo, is just, bursting through all of that. But he's also only one person. And idk, that feels important to how change must be made collectively when it's about a whole society. All Ichigo does is step forward, with other people, like the beginning of a wave.

Like, this is the end of the post but SŌSUKE AND KANAME??????? That alone needs a whole thesis and how it informs both of their characters since the only person Sōsuke actually trusts out of everyone is Kaname

[y0ncan]

whenever you prayed to god for a companion - an angel on your side to guide you through life and make times less lonely - the devil himself has made it his very own purpose to never let that happen.

you had read the folklore on him. too many theoretical assumptions exist on his origin and how "misguided" most of them were, according to some history graduate's blog. he's either bad or… well, definitely never entirely good. one source states he was a conjoined twin who got purchased by a sick bastard and then killed off for his own sadistic tendencies.

some say he originates from the mountain, his complexion too powerful for the human eye. so, he becomes a kannon statue, spiritually guiding locals. others assume he was first found in a cave in full armor. sometimes he is a mere human who tries to escape his enemies. sometimes he kills a dragon with the spear in his four arms.

however, one urban legend goes as following: a group of foreign men try to dismantle an old temple. a giagantic wooden box lays in front of them. the head abbot warns them - do whatever you have to but don't open it. the manager returns the next day and greets the workers. they don't speak nor move. the cascet is open. a monk arrives. "i deeply apologize. you won't live long lives." a purification ritual won't save them butbhe can try. the affected ones are long gone.

the manager checks the paper glued to the box. the kanjis are loud and clear.

ryomen sukuna.

your first… ecounter wasn't really the first. there is no official date or day in the calender you could mark in retrospect. it just happened. like friendships, they bound throughout time without feeling the need to put a label on it.

except, the mean girls back at your high school couldn't come close to the curse on your left side.

"brat, you look absolutely disgusting."

oh, how you wish you could turn back time. you would confess: "yeah… you're targetting girls who don't give a shit about you and treat those who seek your validation like subordinates. for being hormonal monsters though? damn, it really gets worse from here on. sorry, i wasn't familiar with your game."

you are what? a month and a few weeks into this. you have learned not to cry or ruminate over his words. he is only a voice in your head, you repeat. now it is a mindset, hearing him bicker around like a free podcast that you try to pause with slippery fingers.

"i'm talking to you, woman."

"too bad, you have no face to do that- or should i say two-faced?"

you know that he knows that you know that his verbal impact on you has lost most of its value - to be exact, the insults he would throw at you at the most random moments. he makes you nostalgic - like you are time-travelling back to school. means it's nothing you haven't experienced yet. you realize that life will always put you in a room with at least one person who can't seem to stand you for whatever reason. oh, and you are stuck with him forever. hah! you can't escape him. might as well prepare as early as you can.

"what are you doing?"

"blocking proshippers on my tumblr."

you always thought he has limited access to you - that he could only reach you through nice small-talks. after all, he hasn't reached out to you for longer unless it is about how useless you apparently are.

turns out, he has control over you. when you think about it, he can basically see you whenever, wherever. the first weeks you refused to change out of your pyjamas. toilet breaks in the dark weren't allowed to last longer than needed. kinda reminds you of the sprints you would take whenever the lights in the halls were shut off at night.

you can't hear him but can imagine a scowl, theoratically speaking. you couldn't find images other than the google photographs of his statues or various ancient drawings.

"is staying in this cave of yours all you are capable of."

"didn't seem to bother you weeks ago." you swipe across your page, the light of your screen highlighting your droopy eyelids.

"woman, you can't do the same everyday, it's getting tiresome. you modern peasants are good-for-nothings - all gone soft. you wouldn't survive a day in my era, tch."

now that you give it a thought, for months you have been hiding in your room. the fear of your new guest making you look like a clown in public made you hesitant. talking about your non-existent social connections! - you haven't shared your little secret with anyone, yet.

eventually you had to get out for school.

the train station isn't as packed despite it being a thursday. the sky is a greyish blue, the sun shining through the clouds just enough. students and office workers in attire pass by. people order from the cozy underground bakeries. the smell of buttery pastry mixed with gas penetrates your nostrils. a smile forms on your lips at the familiar atmosphere.

you ascend the concrete stairs, careful not to clash into the rushing kids. something behind you echoes with a vibrating impact.

"hey girl, you good?" you ask, yet, you move onwards again unless you wanted to get morphed into jam by the mass. you catch another girl helping the high schooler by collecting some items from the floor, then they sprint away.

"weak."

you shake your head. is he serious? "why would you say that." it's not a question. you are occupied with not overrunning the group of seniors in front of you. the sounds of rails' screeching are audible.

he exhales, dragging the interjection with what sounds akin to disbelief.

"look at these losers depending on each other as if the ground will swallow them if they move fast. can't believe this is what humans have become - old and weak. it's pathetic."

you always see how people in wheel chairs rush to the station, faces painted with fear as the doors close on them. or how the tactile guides on the floors are blocked by the rest who seem to suddenly be in dire need of the earth's space - as if they couldn't act different for a second.

"you love to look down on others, don't you? - belittling anyone and anything that isn't you, huh?" there was no way you could explain him basic decency without getting a breakdown under the concrete roof.

"ahh, aren't you one to learn quick? i do whatever i desire, brat." the tone in his last words goes down, new in comparison to his nonchalant bickering you would normally get to hear.

you don't - or can't risk provocating him further. your skin is getting warm and you would rather save yourself from getting emotional.

next: shibuya station.

you enter the white train as the last person, immediately sitting down on a seat near the exit. your mouth and throat are dry, arms tensing as you burry them in your pockets. an announcement goes through and in the next second, the doors close.

the mesmerizing view of trees and small houses surrounding a lake enters, making you lean back and try to enjoy it. you ask yourself why you feel so moody and suddenly feel reality creep into you. what felt like an episode of hallicunations or the after-effects of surfing the internet for too long, you still find yourself struggling with the same question: why?

not even anonymous questions on forums come close to contemporary enlightenment. you wouldn't want to fall victim to the horrendous waiting area of your family doctor. you weren't desperate enough to get a one-way ticket to an asylum for speaking on what you struggle with. they are usually cautious with diagnosing patients for various health concerns but would fill out a form to transfer you to any facility before you could even blink.

you weren't crazy, you were just talking back to the voice inside your head. does that sound crazy?

the warm shades light up the train, the pane coloured in oranges and browns. you close your eyes at the contact. opening them, you let your gaze wander around the room. the seats across you were empty, a lady reading her daily newspaper. ahead, there are two students around your own age. one has spiky white hair that was shining in the light, a brunette next to him.

you must have been eyeing him for too long as he meets your gaze. before you can even try to act uninterested, he gives you a lazy smile. dark patches surround his lower lash lines, the corners of his eyes squeezing with sincerity.

you turn your head away and don't dare to look at him until he exits at the next station.

your clothing flutters as the bus drives away. taking a few steps, you are framed by green. the soft breeze dances around you. is that gratitude that you feel right now? you breath out and decide to walk along the path. as long as you could just relish the tranquility it would be fine.

as long as.

a harsh tug makes your shoulder fly back, not being able to bite down a groan. what a son of a bitch, you huff. all these men are of the same species indeed.

"what are you doing here?" your brows furrow at the sickening grin. what type of question is that supposed to be?

"what do you mean?" you bark back.

you were too busy trying to understand his behaviour to notice where you are.

zen'in estate. extra engraved in platinum, because there is enough money to throw into the air.

"for applications as a cleaning lady you're at the wrong place."

normally, you don't mind the term he is using. you have always respected their work, since school times, no matter if they tried to throw you out for re-entering the class late to collect your books. but no, that wasn't the problem.

you couldn't allow his shit-eating face to talk to you in that voice.

"well, uh, i'm a barber. i heard they need a life-saving trim and bleach to safe some rusty and split ends. seems like i'm at the right place, sir." your hand scratches the back of your neck, your face slightly pouting.

here we go.

his nose stretches, mouth and eyes going sour. he weirdly breaks his necks to the side. you didn't lie about his head.

before you know it, you are being showed back, amost crashing down on the asphalt. your heart rate speeds up, your lips separating. has this man just touched you? not only that, he moves towards the mansion as if he hasn't physically violated you.

it wouldn't be the first time you would get into a fight with a male, nuh uh, the annoying boys in elementary school have and will always be the blue print. too bad there isn't a female teacher who is going to baby him.

instead, you have a literal curse on your side - only symbolically of course. you were quite keen on proving him something. yes, you were riled up to get rid of the tension in your body. enough is enough.

your jelly legs carry you to his stairs. you form a fist and strike out, your arm moving with the entire weight of your body.

pam!

his head bends forward. you are satisfied with the vista, his posture still bent over. you pant loudly. oh god.

your legs move. you swear you could have stumbled down.

the look of the empty street worries you a bit too much for your own standard. the adrenaline doesn't let you stop until you are in the company of a filled main street, minutes later. you huff and puff, head scanning for a white head with black, ugly ends. what was he even on? he should have a serious conversation about his hair instead of hitting women.

it not like you don't already share a room with a mysoginist. are you a perhaps a magnet? and if so, why?

but you can't fight the feeling of accomplishment. something akin to the superheroes in your favourite comics. the pride and encouragement you would sense whenever you read them. girl, you are her. you can't help the grin on your face as you head to the restaurant in the middle of the street. if you don't indulge now, then when? there couldn't be a more perfect timing for this. you wouldn't want to go home to his nagging yet.

"i have to say… i wasn't expecting it from you."

you roll your eyes. there wasn't the need for you to answer him, especially not with the music blasting in the saloon. the saliva in your mouth is assembling as the aroma of food engulfs you.

"brat, i'm talking to you."

"..."

"disrespectful brat."

"… oh wow, nasty by tinashe, what a banger."

finally, the waitress drops by with your order. you interchange smiles. the second she walks away, you sink your teeth into the big sandwich. finally. spices, bread and meat overflow your tastebuds. the sauce makes you shake your head in an impressed manner. at the end of the day, food was the only component in your day-to-day that has never dissapointed you. no chance.

"what are you shaking your head like a drunk busker, tch, some things don't change with you humans."

another bite. you are too chill to respond, hack, you don't hear him anymore. you take a sip of your beverage.

"what's that?"

you chew.

"what's what?"

"the thing you're eating."

oh. you can't help but burb. the food is very fulfilling, you didn't care how grossed out he must have appeared.

"it's döner."

"..."

if he somehow wanted you to make him give a piece of your meal - although that was impossible - that was still a big no. he doesn't deserve it. and even if it is possible, you would have already gulped down the döner before he could physically descend. the thought alone is creepy but that was for another time to contemplate.

"what's the other thing." he must have taken notice of the images in the menu.

"ah, you mean kebab?" you can't escape the slices of meat that shout "eat me! eat me!" and you again indulge the flavour. you take joy in imagining his face - disgusted, corner tucked down as he crosses his arms. his four arms. you are being reminded of his four legs. god, make it go away.

"what's the difference?"

hmm, wouldn't you want to know that, weatherboy? - is what you would have said, if you weren't nice.

"so this has bread-"

"i can see that brat."

"uh… seriously, good question. so, kebab is eaten on a plate with… maybe tomato sauce, rice and salad and other side dishes. döner is the thing that turns around on that stick," you point at the open kitchen behind the bar, "and is served in thin slices in this pide. this is an invention by turkish migrant workers in 70s' germany if i remember correctly," you raise the bread with the sesame seeds. now that you have possibly answered his question, you take your last bite.

"what's german about it then?"

"i don't know - the country?

"hmm."

ideas for this series are welcome (sfw) virgin (proudly), loser, loner, asocial reader x antique sukuna curse. reblogs are appreciated. hope this is a enjoyable??

❂　(sukuna ryomen x loser!reader(fem))

[megyulmi]

➠ Shared worship of Bodhisattvas associated with Megumi and Yuuji’s domains:

Since we know that Megumi’s domain hand symbol is associated with Bodhisattva Kannon (Japanese manifestation of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara) and Yuuji’s domain hand symbol is associated with Bodhisattva Jizō (Japanese manifestation of Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha), I wanted to mention a few connections in their worship from the Japanese Buddhist tradition.

To note, Kannon and Jizō are two of the most venerated Bodhisattvas in Japanese Buddhism, who have distinct roles and attributes, yet a notable connection (similarity) between them, reflecting the intertwined nature of the compassionate qualities they embody.

Generally, both Kannon and Jizō are revered for their compassion. Kannon is known as the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, who hears the cries of beings in distress and offers aid. Jizō, similarly, is the protector of children, travellers, and souls in the afterlife, often depicted as a compassionate figure who aids those in suffering. Additionally, they are both seen as saviours and protectors. Kannon offers salvation and relief from suffering, often invoked in times of need. Jizō is believed to help souls in the six realms of existence, particularly in the realms of hell, where he provides comfort and aid to suffering beings.

Now, let’s delve deeper into the intertwined nature of their worship. In this post, I mentioned that the veneration day of Jizō is celebrated on the 18th and 24th days of every month. Traditionally, the 18th day of the month was assigned to Kannon. However, the veneration of Jizō on that day is mentioned in a Japanese version of the Jizō and Ten Kings sutra, the Bussetsu Jizō Bosatsu Hosshin In’nen Jūōkyō (仏説地蔵菩薩発心因縁十王経), a product of the late Heian period said to be based on the Chinese version, the Yü-hsiu-shih-wang-sheng-ch’i-ching (預修十王生七經). According to more contemporary writings, commoners, merchants and townsfolk often held meetings together in honour of them throughout the Muromachi and Edo periods on the same date. In addition to this point, Reigenki (地蔵菩薩霊験記, stories of Jizō compiled by Jitsuei of Mii-dera in the mid-Heian period) and Konjaku (今昔物語集, ‘Anthology of Tales Old and New’) describe many Jizō devotees in the Japanese tales as Lotus Sutra reciters; a further examination of which shows that Jizō is expected to function rather like Kannon, who is a Bodhisattva most closely related to the Lotus Sutra, through the merits and virtue of it. When one thinks of Lotus Sutra, one usually thinks of Kannon, but old recordings show that their worship was shared not only in the manner of date but in the text as well.

The main reason is that the Lotus Sutra itself declares that the sutra will be of special value in the degenerate age and people were seeking benefits in their present lives as well as deliverance in the future. In satisfying such needs, Kannon, closely related to the Lotus Sutra, was an ideal Bodhisattva who would appear in this life, grant the mundane wishes of devotees, and even deliver them into Amida’s Pure Land (a concept of a celestial realm of a buddha or bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism where Buddhists aspire to be reborn). As repeatedly described in the above-mentioned Jizō stories of Reigenki and Konjaku, Jizō would also appear in this present life and help ignorant sentient beings in the age of degeneration. He would guide his devotees so that they would not fall into hell, and he would even save those who had already fallen into the pit. These characteristics of Jizō as a saviour parallel those of Kannon. The merit of the Lotus Sutra and the ultimate goal of these two Bodhisattvas were to assist their devotees’ rebirth in Amida’s Pure Land. Thus it is not difficult to understand why the Jizō cult was so closely related to the Lotus Sutra, why it was so widely accepted by the Japanese, and why statues of Jizō and Kannon often flank Amida Buddha. That Jizō would protect reciters of the Lotus Sutra and function similarly to Kannon is an idea continually appearing in later setsuwa (説話, a Japanese literary genre, consisting of myths, legends, folktales, and anecdotes) collections, particularly from the Kamakura period.

Another detail that ties the two Bodhisattva together is found in the Shijū Hyaku Innenshū (私聚百因縁集) that specifically mentions a sutra called the Renge Sanmaikyō (蓮華三眛経) which states that Kannon had entrusted all sentient beings in the Six Realms to Jizō and that this Bodhisattva consequently had six different names, one for each of the Six Realms where he appears, remains, and saves sentient beings. It shows their cooperation to aid all sentient beings.

The same cooperation can be found in Mizuko rites (水子供養, a Japanese Buddhist ceremony for those who have had a miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion). While Bodhisattva Jizō, a saviour figure devoted to children, has been the dominant figure in these rites, Kannon has also been given a prominent place in a number of temples devoted to this practice, given the long history of identification of Kannon with the needs of mothers and children-both to care for spirits in the ‘other world’ and to comfort those in the world of the living who oftentimes are struggling with personal remorse, regret, and guilt.

Whether Akutami Gege had such shared attributes of compassion, salvation and protection of the two Bodhisattva in mind when creating the hand symbols for Megumi and Yuuji’s domains, we cannot know, but it is still significant to find that characters as closely intertwined as Yuuji and Megumi throughout the storyline have elements drawn from the figures who could be considered as closely intertwined despite their distinct individual roles.

[emaadsidiki]

A stroll through Asakusa streets.

A dreamy ambiance that is uniquely Tokyo, Japan.

[maruhi]

statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon 観音菩薩

名勝16羅漢岩には22体の石像が彫ってある、16体じゃないの？って思うかもだけど、こうして観音菩薩とか仏教縁の石像もあるんだよ、探してみてね☆　それじゃまたね、アヴァロキティー！（←）

[bakuhatsufallinlove]

U.A. High School Field Trip Around Japan: Day 3 Translations

This is Day 3 of Shonen Jump’s special commemoration of My Hero Academia reaching one hundred million copies worldwide, which is being rolled out daily across one-week in each prefecture’s newspaper.

The schedule:

April 4th, Day 1: Hokkaidō & Tōhōku regions

April 5th, Day 2: Kantō region

April 6th, Day 3: Chūbu region

April 7th, Day 4: Kansai region

April 8th, Day 5: Chūgoku & Shikoku regions

April 9th, Day 6: Kyūshū & Okinawa regions

April 10th, Day 7: Nationwide release

You can see the illustrations on their website here, where they are released digitally the day after the newspaper release.

Here we go!

Note: As I mentioned, the illustrations are available on the official site, but they are all rather small, which makes them hard to read, so in this post I have included photographs from fans which I used for my translations. Every photo was available publicly on twitter and I have credited the posters, but please be respectful and don’t draw undue attention to these fans. If anyone contacts me wishing for their photo to be removed, I will do so.

Chūbu Region

Niigata

Photo credit: twitter user kz555ing

Ashido: "Cuteness is justice!" Todoroki: "Cuteness is justice? Then this Kannon is a good omen for heroes." Asui: "'Cuteness' is profound, too."

Class 1-A is visiting Sado Island's Chokokuji Temple, where a 20-foot tall rabbit statue has been erected to show appreciation for the temple's domestic rabbits tended by the priests, who roam the grounds freely. Just behind Todoroki actually stands a second, much smaller rabbit statue. The goddess of mercy, Kannon, is carved into the rabbits' chests.

Toyama

Photo credit: twitter user MazeHistory

Tokoyami: "The torrential flow of power liberated from prohibition... Those of us who have freed a once-sealed power feel the same, don't we, Todoroki?" Todoroki: "No, not particularly."

They are visiting Kurobe Dam, the tallest dam in Japan at 186 meters (610 feet).

Ishikawa

Photo credit: twitter user ESORA_artwork_

Iida: "There are approximately 180 shops in here!!" Kacchan: "Tell me which one's got the tastiest stuff." Izuku: "That's gotta be all of them!" Kirishima: "Daaamn, there's no way you can go to all of them in one day." All Might: "Looks like those boys are having fun, doesn't it?"

This is Omicho Market in Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa, a very busy market with fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit, and local specialties!

Fukui

Photo credit: twitter user mlluv1

Izuku: "Sauce katsudon originates in Fukui prefecture! ︎ The deep flavor comes from the sour sauce seeping into the cutlet! You could say the sauce is saving the cutlet, and the cutlet is saving the sauce. It's a food that embodies the concept of being able to save to win and win to save. I don't think it's an exaggeration to call it the soul food of heroes. Ahhh! I can't stop thinking that I want everyone in Japan to know more about this..." Uraraka: "He's saying it's tasty."

One of Fukui's specialties is "sauce katsudon" wherein the pork cutlet is battered, coated in crumbs, deep fried, and then coated in a thick, sweet, tangy, savory sauce. "Katsu" means cutlet but it is phonetically identical to the word for win--the same one that's in Katsuki's name. Izuku is such a nerd, dear god. Special thanks to @pikahlua for saving my skin with Izuku's dreaded mumble-speech!

Yamanashi

Photo credit: twitter user MARINJIJI

Mirio: "There's... A RIPE PEACH! There's... RIPE GRAPES!" Kaminari: "The Yamanashi Prefecture Tourism Ambassador Hero...!" Sero: "Have we got a chance!?" Kirishima: "Sempai, you went out of your way just for this!?"

Yamanashi is one of Japan's big fruit providers with many orchards and vineyards, specializing in grapes, plums, and peaches. Mount Fuji is visible in the background! But Mirio... what were the ripe grapes!?

Nagano

Photo credit: twitter user hirom_1107

Hagakure: "Ojiro-kun! You really can't see it!?" Jirou: "I can see it!" Ojiro: "It's 'cause I've got a tail, isn't it. I wonder if they're feeling territorial..."

They are at Jigokudani Monkey Park with Japanese macaque (snow monkeys), who love to hang out in hot springs in the winter.

Gifu

Photo credit: twitter user some_mitsu

Iida: "Everyone!! Assemble here for a group photo!!" Uraraka: "Let's all do the gasshō pose, okay!!" Sero: "That's great!!"

The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama are part of a World Heritage Site protecting the traditional gasshō-zukuri houses unique to the area. The style is named for the arch of the roof looking like hands in prayer; the area gets substantial snowfall every year, and the shape of the roof and structure of the walls are optimal for protecting the integrity of the house. I got to see and step inside this style of home at the Japan Open-Air Folk Museum, and they are absolutely incredible. The informational placards said that in years when the snow piles high enough, the second story windows are used as entrances!

Shizuoka

Photo credit: twitter user sugar_eraser

Yaoyorozu: "The reason Mount Fuji looks blue is because its size is so great that one must view it at a distance. This distance puts a thick layer of air in-between, scattering the light and causing the mountain's surface to appear blue. The sky is blue for the same reason." Ashido: "Yaomomo's like a walking encyclopedia!" Aoyama: "A beautiful blue mountain, you say? Why, there's one right here~!"

Viewing Mount Fuji from Shizuoka's famous tea fields. Shizuoka provides 40% of Japan's green tea! I've had a few varieties unique to their area, they were very flavorful and soothing. Aoyama is bein' vain because his surname means "blue mountain."

Aichi

Photo credit: twitter user Hrkn1500

Satou: "All right, all right, now this is what I've been waiting for!" Yaoyorozu: "It's delicious!" Todoroki (thinking): "Half-Sweet Half-Salt..."

They are eating Ogura toast, a dish originating in a Nagoya cafe in 1921. Ogura jam is a sweet spread made out of adzuki beans, and it is often served with butter -- the butter being salted is the source of Todoroki's stroke of genius. I've had it several times, it's tasty!!

That's all for Day 3! See you soon for Day 4.

[kyotodreamtrips]

Hase-dera is a prominent Buddhist temple in Sakurai, Nara prefecture, Japan. Nestled amidst lush greenery on the slopes of Mount Hase, it offers visitors a serene atmosphere, making it a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. The temple complex is renowned for its stunning architecture, scenic gardens, and rich history dating back over 1,300 years. One of its most iconic features is the massive wooden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, which stands over nine meters tall and is adorned with thousands of miniature statues.

[tokidokitokyo]

千葉県

Japanese Prefectures: Kantō - Chiba

都道府県 (とどうふけん) - Prefectures of Japan

Learning the kanji and a little bit about each of Japan’s 47 prefectures!

Kanji・漢字

千　ち、セン　thousand

葉　は、ヨウ　leaf, lobe

県　ケン　prefecture

関東　かんとう　Kantō, region consisting of Tokyo and surrounding prefectures

Prefectural Capital (県庁所在地) : Chiba City (千葉市)

Chiba lies on the Bōsō Peninsula on the east coast of Tokyo Bay, about 20 miles (30 km) southeast of central Tokyo, and boasts many international facilities such as Narita International Airport, known as the gateway to Japan); Makuhari Messe, one of the most prominent convention centers in Asia; Kazusa DNA Research Institute, a world leader in cutting edge research; and Tokyo Disney Resort, with two theme parks that draw in 30 million patrons each year. It also boasts beaches for swimming, surfing, and diving and was the location for the first Olympic surfing games. Historically, Chiba was a castle town controlled by the Chiba family in the 12th–15th century, and during the Edo (Tokugawa) period (1603–1867) it served as a post-station town for several major roads. After the construction of a railway connecting it to Tokyo, the town began to grow in the second half of the 19th century.

Recommended Tourist Spot・おすすめ観光スポット Mt Nokogiri - 鋸山

Mt. Nokogiri - Hyaku-Shaku Kannon carved into stone cliff

Mt. Nokogiri is named for the zigzag shape of a traditional handsaw that its topography resembles. Along with Mt. Kanozan and Mt. Kiyosumi, Mt. Nokogiri is one of Chiba's three most famous mountains. It stands at 330 meters high and features a grand lookout point as well as a temple complex containing one of Japan's largest Buddhas. The mountain is bare granite and has been a quarry since the Edo Period, providing stones for many of Tokyo's most iconic sites, such as Yasukuni Shrine and Waseda University. You can reach the top by an easy hike or via a ropeway to the top. Hell Lookout (地獄のぞき) is a lookout point at the top of the mountain that hangs over the edge of the cliff and offers a stunning view of Tokyo Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the distant forests and hills of the Boso Peninsula, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji.

At the southern base of Mt. Nokogiri is Nihonji Temple (日本寺), an officially designated Important Cultural Property. There's a stairway leading from the top of the mountain down to the vast, picturesque Soto Zen Buddhist temple that dates back 1300 years and is still used to train young monks today. A giant daibutsu, or Buddha statue, is carved into the granite on the side of Mt. Nokogiri about midway up the mountain. It is 31 meters high and one of Japan's largest Buddhas, even larger than Kamakura's famous daibutsu at Kotokuin Temple. The statue was built to pray for world peace and most of the statue was carved over three years beginning in 1780.

In addition to the giant daibutsu, there are around 1500 small statues of various Buddhist deities around the temple grounds. Unfortunately, many of the smaller statues were beheaded during the anti-Buddhist movement that accompanied the Meiji Restoration, but there are ongoing efforts to repair them. This part of Nihonji was a spiritual sanctuary built over 21 years in the 18th century by craftsman Ono Kangoro and his students. Towards the top of the mountain stands a 30-meter tall Hyaku-Shaku Kannon, depicting the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Carved in 1966 into a stone cliff, it is dedicated to those who died in wars, of sickness or in accidents. The Kannon is also worshiped as a protector of transportation due to its protected location surrounded by rocks.

Regional Cuisine - 郷土料理 Sangayaki - さんが焼き

Sangayaki (source)

Namerou and sangayaki are well-known Chiba dishes, especially along the Bōsō Peninsula. Namerou (なめろう) is a dish usually made of minced horse mackerel and sardine mixed with miso, perilla leaves, and leek. When grilled and wrapped in perilla leaves, it is called sangayaki (さんが焼き). The name "namerou" may have come from the fact that namerou is so good that you want to lick your plate clean (nameru means to lick). The name "sangayaki" may be from the fact that the fishermen ate the dish along a river tributary, or sanga, and the word yaki means to grill (like yakisoba or yakitori). Namerou can be cooked in other ways, such as being shaped and grilled like a burger, or being coated in breadcrumbs and fried.

Chiba Dialect・Chiba no hougen・千葉の方言

Note: Chiba dialect is sometimes called Bōsō-ben (房総弁), after the peninsula. Chiba dialect is actually a family of three dialects: Bōshū-ben (房州弁), Tōsō-ben 東総弁, and Noda-ben (野田弁).

Bōshū-ben (房州弁)

1. おいねえ　oinee　not good

はしけえでおいねえや (hashikee de oinee ya)

Standard Japanese: かゆくていけないよ (kayukute ikenai yo)

English: This itches so badly

2. くわっせえ　kuwassee　please eat (command)

ばーさんほら、わーかでいーがらくわっせぇよ (baa-san hora, wa-ka de iigara kuwassei yo)

Standard Japanese: おばあさんほら、少しでいいから召し上がってよ (obaasan hora, sukoshi demo ii kara meshi agate yo)

English: Grandma, come on, please just eat a little bit

3. やんべえ　yanbee　health; condition (often used in a greeting)

いいやんべえだねえ (ii yanbee da nee)

Standard Japanese: こんにちは (konnichiwa)

English: Hello; Good day (lit. "you are in good health today")

Tōsō-ben 東総弁

1. あじょうだぁ　ajyou daa　how is it

あじょうだぁ？ (ajyou daa?)

Standard Japanese: どうですか？　(dou desu ka?)

English: How is it?

2. ねっけぇ　nekkee　warm

今日はずいぶんとねっけぇね (kyou wa zuibun to nekkee ne)

Standard Japanese: 今日はずいぶんと暖かいね (kyou wa zuibun to atatakai ne)

English: Today is fairly warm, isn't it?

3. わんらー　wanraa　you (informal, not very polite)

わんらーよー！んなことやってねーよ！ (wanraa you! 'n na koto yatte nee yo!)

Standard Japanese: あなたねえ！そんな事しないでよ！ (anata nee! sonna koto shinai de yo!)

English: Hey you! Stop doing that!

Noda-ben (野田弁)

1. こわい　kowai　difficult, taxing, bothersome

風邪ひいででまーだこわいだよなぁ (kaze hiide de maa-da kowai da yo naa)

Standard Japanese: 風邪を引いていてまだ身体がだるいんだよね　(kaze wo hiite ite mada karada ga daruin da yo ne)

English: I have a cold and my body still feels listless

2. はらくち　harakuchi　full

はらくちだよなぁ (harakuchi da yo naa)

Standard Japanese: お腹いっぱいだよね (onaka ippai da yo ne)

English: I'm full

3. やっこら　yakora　soon

やっこらいくべ (yakora iku be)

Standard Japanese: そろそろいこうか (sorosoro ikou ka)

English: Shall we go soon?