Is there a guardian watching over Tokyo Bay? It is the Tokyo-wan Kannon, a towering statue embodying compassion and peace. This magnificent figure stands 56 meters tall about 20 stories high.
The Tokyo-wan Kannon offers more than just an impressive sight. Its story reflects a desire for peace after immense suffering. Let’s delve into the history and significance of this inspiring statue.
After World War II, Usami Masaei a local timber merchant envisioned a symbol of peace. He had witnessed the war’s devastation and wanted to ensure such tragedy never happened again. Between 1957 and 1961 he erected the Tokyo-wan Kannon.
The statue’s design is based on the Kuse Kannon of Nara’s Horyuji Temple. This seventh-century bronze statue is said to have been modeled after Prince Shotoku. The Tokyo-wan Kannon holds a pearl of peace. She gazes serenely toward the Boso Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. Like the Kuse Kannon, she protects people from suffering. Amazingly, no accidents occurred during its construction, which is seen as proof of her power.
You can even enter the Tokyo-wan Kannon. A spiral staircase with 324 steps leads to the top. The climb is made more interesting by carved wooden statues in niches. Between the third and ninth levels are statues of Japan’s seven lucky gods. This makes the ascent a seven lucky gods pilgrimage. You can collect stamps for each god visited. But beware! Fudo-myo guards the entrance. He will catch you if you cheat.
Ebisu is the first of the seven lucky gods. He is the only native Japanese god. He is the god of commerce and a patron of fishermen and travelers. The next three levels feature gods from India. Daikokuten is the god of agriculture and prosperity. Bishamonten is a warrior god bringing peace. Benten is the goddess of music and the arts.
The remaining three gods are from China. Jurojin and Fukurokuju are gods of longevity. Fukurokuju also brings fortune and happiness. Hotei is a god of happiness and contentment. Interestingly, he is not carrying his cloth bag of gifts.
Further up, you will find statues of Buddhist luminaries. There is even a Maria Kannon. Hidden Christians worshipped this statue as the Virgin Mary. Each statue is carved from a single block of wood by Kou Hasegawa. This emulates the style of the sculptor monk Enku.
About two-thirds of the way up, you can step outside onto caged walkways. The views are stunning. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Sky Tree. Behind the pearl of peace is a bronze replica of Horyuji’s Kuse Kannon. At the very top, you can record your feelings in a guest book.
Outside, the garden surrounding the Tokyo-wan Kannon offers a viewing platform. From here, you can see a quasi-national park and Tokyo Bay. On clear days, Mt. Fuji is also visible.
The Tokyo-wan Kannon stands as a symbol of peace, compassion, and hope. Its towering presence and intricate details invite contemplation. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and the message it conveys. This is a place of serenity, a place to reflect on peace and compassion.