Old Japanese stories, Haunted Jizo

Since Jizo is one of the most loved and popular deities, Jizo statues are a common sighting in Japan. But among them, there are a few really special statues, like the one from the Shogin-ji Temple in Taito-ku, Tokyo.

Sculpted in 1721, the Jizo from Shogin-ji is 3 meters tall stone statue representing Jizo as a simple monk with a shaved head. Because he is the protector of the dead children, there is a custom according to which parents are bringing small hats, placing them on the head of the Jizo statues and praying for the souls of the lost children. That's why you will often see in Japan Jizo statues with red crocheted hats... But the Jizo from Shogin-ji used to be different, because on its head it was a steel hat. In time, people coming to the temple started telling that the Jizo's head was moving, following them and even talking with them... so the statue became known as the Haunted Jizo (Obake Jizo)...

Unfortunately for this traditional ghost story, the statue was broken during the Great Kanto Earthquake and when it was rebuilt, the head was replaced. But, as you can see in this photo, its story is still remembered at Shogin-ji...