根岸地蔵

Slipping through a hidden alley near Sannō Station, we stumble upon a peculiar sight: the Ushiromuki Jizōson, or Backward-Facing Jizō. This isn’t your typical serene statue. The Ushiromuki Jizōson, located in Negi-shi, Taito City, has its back turned to the modern-day Showa Street. This peculiar positioning piques our curiosity. Let’s delve into the captivating story of Negishi Jizo. Originally erected in 1647, facing west along the old Koshu Highway, Negishi Jizo stood as a guardian of travelers. But something shifted in 1764. The road was rerouted to the east side of the temple. The Jizo, however, remained stubbornly fixed, now facing away from the bustling thoroughfare. Locals whisper of a restless spirit, a stone worker’s wife who insisted the Jizo stay put, forever gazing towards the old road. Some say overnight the Jizo mysteriously turned, surprising all who came to pray. Now known as the Ushiromuki Jizōson, or “Backward-Facing Jizo”, it became a symbol of defiance and remembrance. Approaching Negishi Jizo from Showa Street, you might almost miss it. A narrow, winding path beckons us from the main road. It leads us through a sudden, unexpected open space where the Jizo resides, a stark contrast to the cramped alley we just navigated. The atmosphere is palpable. This unusual setting adds to the Jizo’s mystique. A small entrance on the old Koshu Highway side reveals its original orientation. It’s as if the Jizo continues to watch over the past, a silent sentinel of forgotten pathways. This peculiar Jizo statue invites us to reflect on the changing landscape of Tokyo. It reminds us that even in the midst of progress, echoes of the past persist, turning their backs on the present while embracing the memories of what once was.