Among all the Jizo statues facing the same direction, only one of them turned away

jizo facing away — Shot at Matsuchiyama-Shoden, a Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Tokyo

The Matsuchiyama-Shoden is a sub-institute of famous Senso-ji Temple, and even though it is located not far from the Senso-ji, the temple grounds were empty. It seems that even the many worshippers to the Senso-ji Temple rarely visit this temple. In contrast to the Senso-ji Temple, which is crowded with visitors even on weekdays, the precincts of this temple were filled with silence. The quiet precincts of the temple were a perfect sanctuary.

In a corner of the temple grounds, there was a line of Jizo statues. They were all lined up in a row facing the same direction, but only one of them was facing a different direction. It was as if he had become embarrassed and turned his back on his friends. I was somewhat relieved to find that even among the always smiling Jizo, some were just as cynical as those in the human world.

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