Whispers of ancient prayers still echo at Butsugan-ji Temple. Here, in the heart of Osaka, two Buddhist temples stand side-by-side. Butsugan-ji, affiliated with the Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji sect, shares this sacred space with another temple, Tenshozan Temple. Butsugan-ji’s origins trace back to 1599, a year before the Battle of Sekigahara reshaped Japan’s destiny. The temple’s name, Tenshozan, might derive from the nearby Tenshogawa River, although the exact connection remains a mystery. Notice the Nio guardians at the temple gate. Their weathered faces, with almost hidden eyes, date back to the Edo period. These figures, placed here to ward off evil spirits, also symbolize the temple’s enduring role as a protector of the community. These Nio guardians embody a tradition that stretches back centuries, connecting Butsugan-ji to the broader history of Japanese Buddhism. Originally, Oniwa, roof tiles designed to protect the ends of roof ridges, served this protective function. Over time, these evolved into the elaborate and expressive Nio statues we see today. Butsugan-ji reminds us of the rich tapestry of Japanese spiritual practices, where symbolism and tradition intertwine.
旧守口市立下島小学校
Shimojima Elementary School’s bell echoed one last time in March 2024. This marked the end of its 49-year history. It