#gumyoji

[pix4japan]

Jizo Bodhisattva: A Beacon of Mercy in Ancient and Modern Japan

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan Timestamp: 18:24・2024/04/09

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter ISO 160 for 4.0 sec. at ƒ/8 Classic Negative film simulation

Just beyond the Niōmon Gate at Gumyoji Temple, I encountered a serene courtyard adorned with small stone statues of the Jizo Bodhisattva. Revered in Buddhism, Jizo is a beloved figure, often depicted as a gentle monk with a staff and a wish-fulfilling jewel.

These small stone statues, affectionately known as O-Jizō-Sama or Jizō-san, represent the Buddhist Bodhisattva who has vowed to delay his own Buddhahood until all suffering souls are freed from the underworld. Jizo, often depicted as a humble monk, is revered as a deity of mercy, offering protection to travelers and children.

Throughout Japan, I have seen these statues near cemeteries and roadsides, frequently adorned with red caps and bibs, which symbolize prayers for the safety and well-being of children. Their presence in the Gumyoji Temple courtyard adds to the tranquil and compassionate atmosphere of the temple.

Check out the full write-up here: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240409-jizo (2-minute read), which includes sources and a glossary.

[qz99ill]

弘明寺。

今までは年に何回か行くことあったけどもう行く必要無くなっちゃったなぁ。

[mizunokisu]

Lanterns along sakura trees by runslikethewind83 on Flickr.

[jun73h]

[pix4japan]

Capturing Nostalgia: Sekizushi Sushi Shop at Gumyoji Shotengai

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan Timestamp: 17:14・2024/04/09

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter ISO 1250 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2 Classic Negative film simulation

Nestled within the charming streets of the Gumyoji Shotengai in Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan, lies a hidden gem of tradition and flavor: Sekizushi.

As a street photographer, I often find myself drawn to the Showa-esque allure of places like this where history mingles with the aroma of fresh cuisine.

Established in 1980, Sekizushi beckons the locals with its modest facade and welcoming noren curtain, adorned with elegant strokes of the shop's name in white kanji characters on a traditional Japanese indigo blue background.

I didn’t ask permission to shoot the interior, but learned that the restaurant has tatami mat seating for up to 12 patrons and counter seating for up to 11 patrons. The popular 5-piece sashimi platter priced at 2,000 yen seems to strike a balance between quality and affordability, particularly for overseas travelers benefiting from the favorable exchange rate.

What truly captivates me, however, are the subtle details that remind me of bygone days. When you open the wooden-framed glass sliding doors, they make a distinct rattle as the old metal rollers pass over the worn metal railings on the floor.

The rattling sound evokes memories from my late teens of visits to friends' homes that had the same style of sliding doors at the entrance. That “gata-gata” rattling sound of the window panes shaking in their wooden frames takes me back to a nostalgic time of my youth and Japan's economic heyday during the late Showa period.

For links to Google Maps and additional source references, please check out the full write-up, a concise 2-minute read (https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20240409-sushi).

[simonh]

Untitled by Yoshihisa Ijuuin

[simonh]

Untitled by Yoshihisa Ijuuin

[superbimages]

Cold day in March, Yokohama - 2 by take4ish https://ift.tt/2Guw9d0