"Pagoda Memorial Service" is an elaborate woodcarving by Kaneko Mitsukiyo, created for the Taishakudo Hall of Shibamata Taishakuten Temple. It depicts the ceremony of erecting a pagoda, and vividly depicts the devotion to Buddhism and the memorial service. The figures and decorations are meticulously carved down to the smallest detail, creating a three-dimensional, deep composition.

Kaneko Mitsukiyo is a master of traditional Japanese sculpture, and excels in expressing the texture of wood. "Pagoda Memorial Service" is one of his masterpieces, and is beloved by many as a valuable work of art that conveys stories of faith and culture.

Shibamata Taishakuten's "All Rain and Rain" is a woodcarving by sculptor Ishikawa Nobumitsu. "All Rain and Rain" means that the Buddha's mercy is poured out equally on all living things, like rain. The detailed depiction of rain nourishing plants and living creatures conveys the blessings of nature and the preciousness of life.

Nobumitsu's outstanding technique has been used to beautifully recreate the delicate depiction of raindrops and the vibrant appearance of plants and animals, and the work evokes the Buddhist teaching of equal compassion.

"The Appearance of the Tahoto Pagoda" is a sculpture by Ishikawa Ginjiro on the exterior wall of the Taishakudo Hall of Shibamata Taishakuten Temple. Based on the "Tahoto Pagoda Chapter" of the Lotus Sutra, the sculpture depicts the scene in which a golden Tahoto pagoda dedicated to the past Buddha, Taho Nyorai, appears while Shakyamuni is preaching.

Ishikawa Ginjiro's exquisite technique expresses the majesty of the tower and the astonishment of the audience in three dimensions.

This sculpture, which symbolizes the universality of Buddhism, is a magnificent work that conveys the depth of Buddhist thought. When you visit, pay attention to the expressions of the figures and the craftsmanship that has been put into the details of the tower, and feel the grandeur of the story.

"The Dragon Girl's Enlightenment" is a woodcarving by sculptor Kazuyoshi Yamamoto based on a story from the Lotus Sutra. It depicts with delicate yet powerful force the moment when an eight-year-old dragon girl attains enlightenment and attains Buddhahood. The dragon girl's compassionate expression, along with the dragon and cloud designs, create a mystical worldview.

Symbolizing the teaching of equal enlightenment that transcends gender and age, and suggesting the possibility of anyone attaining enlightenment, this work is a wonderful fusion of Yamamoto Kazuyoshi's outstanding technique and the profound teachings of Buddhism.

When you visit, try to sense the stories contained within the intricate carvings.

Shibamata Taishakuten's "The Sufferings of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging" and "The Merits of the Lotus Sutra" are intricate woodcarvings by master craftsman Naomitsu Kobayashi. They depict in minute detail Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, continuing to respect people despite persecution, and the merits attained by those who believe in the teachings of the Lotus Sutra.

The story is vividly depicted through the characters' expressions and movements, as well as the natural scenery, and the warmth of the wood.

These works, which combine Kobayashi Naomitsu's exceptional technique with Buddhist teachings, convey to visitors the importance of compassion and faith, and are deeply moving.

The "Three Cars and a Fire House," on display in the sculpture gallery at Shibamata Taishakuten Temple, is a wood carving by Kijima Koun that expresses Buddhist teachings based on the "Parable Chapter" of the Lotus Sutra.

The story of the owner who saves the children who are playing, unaware of the fire, by luring them out with "three fun carriages" symbolizes the Buddha's salvation of those who are lost and suffering.

Koun's works, which are meticulously carved down to the intensity of the flames, the facial expressions of the figures, and the details of their clothing, visually convey the profound teachings of Buddhism and leave a deep impression on viewers.

"Picture of a Priest in Training" by Koichi Yokoyama, located in the Taishakudo Hall of Shibamata Taishakuten Temple, is a sculpture based on the tenth chapter of the Lotus Sutra, "The Priest."

It depicts Buddhist practitioners training hard in harsh environments, and the compassionate Buddhas and Bodhisattvas watching over and encouraging them. The scene in which Bodhisattva Samantabhadra rides an elephant is particularly symbolic.

This piece, which combines the techniques of Yokoyama, a master of Inami carving, with his understanding of Buddhism, beautifully expresses the spiritual strength of training and the compassion of Buddha, and you can enjoy the exquisite craftsmanship that has been put into every detail.

"The Thousand-Year Serving" is a sculpture by Kafuto Shoichi, and is based on the 12th chapter of the Lotus Sutra, "Devadatta."

It depicts how Shakyamuni served the Asura hermits for a thousand years, and how he awakened to the truth of the Lotus Sutra while serving them with devotion.

Scenes such as drawing water, gathering firewood, and picking fruit are intricately carved into a single piece of wood, skillfully expressing the movements and expressions of the people and the depiction of nature.

This sculpture visually conveys the Buddha's spiritual aspirations and spirit of self-sacrifice, leaving a deep impression on the viewer.

"The Immediate Disappearance of Illness" by Imaseki Mitsuji is a woodcarving based on the "Bhaisajyaguru Bodhisattva Original Story" chapter of the Lotus Sutra.

It symbolically expresses the idea that the teachings of Buddha are a good medicine that can heal people's illnesses, and depicts the belief that by listening to the teachings of Buddha, illnesses will instantly disappear and one will attain a state of immortality.

This intricately carved sculpture is a stunning work of art that visually conveys the power of faith and the dignity of Buddhism.

"Protection of Priests" is a sculpture by Toranosuke Kato, depicting how those who practice the Lotus Sutra are protected by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and freed from difficulties and illness.

It is intended to encourage those who deepen their faith in the Lotus Sutra and to convey the protective power of Buddhism.

Mr. Kato has been involved in the creation of sculptures at Shibamata Taishakuten for three generations, and he injects his high level of skill and faith into his work.