“World Peace Giant Kannon” once stood tall. It represented a real estate magnate’s dream. Now let’s delve into the story of a similar concept, the \u5e73\u548c\u5927\u89b3\u97f3 Statue.
The Awaji Kannon, also known as World Peace Giant Kannon, was a towering gypsum statue. It was more than just a statue. The Kannon was a museum and temple complex on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Opening in 1982, it offered an observation deck at its peak.
Toyokichi Okuuchi, a real estate magnate, envisioned the Awaji Kannon. Construction began in 1977. It took five years to complete this ambitious project. The statue rested on a five-story pedestal. This base added 20 meters to its height. The statue also featured a sixth-floor observation deck. Okuuchi managed the complex until his death in 1988. His wife then took over until her death in 2006.
Sadly, the Awaji Kannon fell into disrepair. A structural inspection revealed significant damage. The site closed in 2006. Locals even whispered that it was haunted. Typhoons in 2012 and 2014 further damaged the statue’s outer walls. Concerns grew about its structural integrity. There was an incident where someone jumped from the observation deck.
In March 2020, the Japanese government acquired the Awaji Kannon and surrounding land. The crumbling statue and complex were slated for demolition. The 880 million Yen project was completed in early 2023.
The \u5e73\u548c\u5927\u89b3\u97f3 Statue reminds us of the Awaji Kannon. While the Awaji Kannon is no more, its story echoes in similar monuments. It reminds us of dreams, dedication, and the passage of time.