【Protecting regional treasures V】 Local residents strive to preserve precious cultural properties (Miroku-do hall, Ibaraki Pref.)

In some areas of Japan, local residents take it into their own hands to protect the artistically and historically valuable Buddhist sculptures, craft and other cultural properties of their region. The Kannon-no-sato (Kannon village) in the Takatsuki district of Nagahama, Shiga Pref., so-called because not a small number of Kannon statues there are preserved by the local residents, is a case in point. However, the decreasing and aging of the population in these areas may make it difficult for the locals to continue their efforts in the future.

‘Come and meet our O-miroku san’

Miroku-do Hall
(Ibaraki Prefecture)

The Miroku-do Hall, where the standing statue of Miroku-butsu (Maitreya) — a designated important cultural property of Japan — rests, is located in the Ishidera district of Kasama, Ibaraki Pref., about six kilometers north of the JR Mito Line Kasama Station. The solid structure was built in 1973 under supervision from the Cultural Affairs Agency.

The Miroku-butsu, made of cypress wood using the yosegi-zukuri (joined-block construction) technique, is about 175 centimeters tall. Ink inscriptions inside the statue reveal that it was made in 1247 under orders from Fujiwara-no-Tokitomo, who ruled the Kasama region as a vassal of the Kamakura Shogunate. The statue is imposing and magnificent.

There was once a temple called Sekijo-ji in the area. However, the temple was abolished along with the Miroku-do Hall that was there then due to the separation of Shintoism and Buddhism instigated by the government in the early Meiji era. A local villager protected the statue by keeping it in his home or a hall to worship the Fudo Myo-o (Acala). The statue was designated as an important cultural property by the government under the old law in 1920, and later came to be owned by a religious corporation founded by residents of the area.

Currently, four members of the Ishidera district board serve as custodians of the Miroku-do Hall. They are made busy to welcome visitors to the hall when the statue is put on public display for the annual Hana Matsuri festival on April 8 and for a biennial event in the area.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun and other sources)