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About this page

We will regularly introduce the gods who are closely related to the works in the gallery. The gods we homage to are not limited to Japanese gods. In addition, the explanations given here are unique views with various interpretations from around the world. We respect all religious ideas and views of the gods.

～Introduction of various gods～

“Kongo-rikishi“

kongo-rikishi is usually known as “Nio”,”A-un” and is enshrined as a pair of “A-gyo” and “Un-gyo” on the left and right sides of the gate as a guardian of the temple grounds. It was found that the origin of the design was created in the 6th year of Koan (1283) in the Kamakura period by the sumi-sho wooden tag discovered from the shape during dismantling and repair. In Japan, you can often see statues of “Nio” standing on the left and right of the entrance gate of the temple. The image is shirtless and muscular, the “A-un” image reveals an angry expression, and the that image often expresses anger inside. These shapes represent the character of a guardian deity that prevents Buddhist enemies from entering the temple. By the way, In Japan, the perfect timing of the movements of two people is called “A-un’s breath”. It’s like Goku and Vegeta when they got serious.