Tokyo Bay: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

JAPAN, Chiba, Futtsu; Showa period

The statue stands on a hilltop overlooking Tokyo Bay. It has a total of 20 stories, comprising 324 steps. The structure was designed by Hasegawa Ko and built in 1961 to commemorate all those who died during World War II and to pray for world peace.
The serenely smiling Avalokitesvara wears a high crown with a seated Buddha image on the front and ribbons falling to the shoulder. The Bodhisattva is cloaked and cradles a jewel in both hands. The entrance to the interior with its circular central pillar is at the heel of the statue. The staircases at the side lead to the 15th story at approximately shoulder level, after which the stair spirals the central pillar to reach the neck. The space at this height is significantly reduced and only one person can pass at a time. There are images of a Buddha and the Seven Lucky Gods within the Avalokitesvara statue. There is also a small viewing window.