“Get me out of this and I’ll erect statues of the six Jizo.” Imagine the desperation of a Buddhist monk named Shogen in 18th century Edo. He was terminally ill. But his recovery led to a legacy we can still explore today: the Edo Six Jizo.
We are standing before one of these Jizo. This is \u6c5f\u6238\u5411\u304d\u5730\u8535. These statues marked the entrances to Edo, now Tokyo.
In 1706, Shogen, residing in Fukagawa, Edo, fell critically ill. He prayed to Jizo Bosatsu. He promised to erect statues if cured. Miraculously, he recovered. Shogen kept his word. Over 15 years, he erected large bronze Jizo statues. They stood at six locations considered Edo’s entrances.
Shogen didn’t do it alone. Master metal caster Ota Masayoshi cast the statues. Over 72000 donors funded the project. Each statue features a seated Jizo. They sit atop lotus petals etched with donor names.
The first statue appeared in 1708. It guarded the Tokaido road. This road connected Edo to Kyoto. The 2.75-meter statue holds a shakujo staff and manji jewel. It faces the Tokaido outside Honsenji temple.
Another Jizo stands at Tozenji temple. It marked the Oshu Kaido entrance. This road led north. The third Jizo resides at Taisoji temple. It watched over the Koshu Kaido. Shinshoji temple hosts the fourth Jizo. It protected the Nakasendo route. Reiganji temple has the fifth Jizo. It guarded the Mito Kaido entrance.
The sixth Jizo was at Eitaiji temple. It stood near Tomioka Hachiman shrine. Sadly, it was destroyed in 1868. This occurred during anti-Buddhist movements.
These statues were originally covered in gold leaf. Time has worn it away. They are among few large bronze statues from the early 18th century. The Tokyo government protects them as cultural properties.
Visiting the five remaining Jizo statues offers a unique tour through Tokyo. Though one is lost, a replica exists elsewhere in Tokyo. Each statue tells a story of faith and gratitude. They embody a fascinating chapter in Edo’s history. This pilgrimage offers a glimpse into lesser-known corners of Tokyo. It connects us to the city’s past.