About
On the north side of Zojoji Temple’s grounds, if you proceed along the side path by the Ankoku-den Hall, you will arrive at a corner where approximately 1,300 statues of Jizo Bodhisattva are neatly lined up. These are known as the “Sentaikosodate Jizoson,” and since 1975 (Showa 50), they have been dedicated by people praying for the safe growth and health of their children, as well as for memorial services for deceased children. (zojoji.or.jp)
Each Jizo statue is dressed in a red knit cap and apron, and holds a colorful pinwheel in its hand. Whenever the wind blows, the pinwheels spin and produce a gentle, clattering sound, as if echoing the laughter of children. These pinwheels and garments are offerings from parents, expressing wishes for their children’s healthy growth and their feelings for children who have passed away. (mlit.go.jp)
In Buddhism, Jizo Bodhisattva is regarded as the guardian of children, travelers, pregnant women, and lost souls. In particular, he has been worshiped as a savior of the souls of children who died young. According to legend, deceased children pile stones to build towers on the banks of the Sanzu River, but at night, demons appear and destroy them. Jizo Bodhisattva saves the children from this suffering, gathering them into his sleeves and helping them cross the river. (mlit.go.jp)
The path lined with these Sentaikosodate Jizoson is adorned with cherry blossoms in spring, creating a colorful scene together with the pinwheels. On the third Sunday of April each year, the “Sentaikosodate Jizoson Grand Memorial Service” is held, with a parade of children in traditional dress and portable shrines making their way through the temple grounds. This memorial service is filled with the wishes of parents for the healthy growth of their children and for the repose of children who have passed away. (zojoji.or.jp)
Zojoji Temple is also known as the family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns, and is a place where history and tradition are alive. Among its grounds, the Sentaikosodate Jizoson area is a heartwarming space shaped by the deep love and prayers of parents. Visitors, accompanied by the sound of spinning pinwheels, will surely renew their thoughts for children.