WORLDWIDE | Monday, 30 August 2010 | Views [842]
This is an unusually large collection of 'Jizō Bosatsu' or small stone depictions of lost children erected by grieving parents in the town. Found near the town of Amanohashidatte, in Kyoto prefecture.
These are a daily reminder of the influence of the indigenous spirituality of Shinto on modern society, as similar tributes are to be found all around Japan, on roads, in gardens, at the base of trees, adorned with the spiritually significant red colour and often with toys or other offerings.
