Arashiyama Rakkan is a unique attraction in the popular tourist destination of Arashiyama, Kyoto. Along the quiet walking path overlooking the Katsura River, approximately 70 stone Rakkan statues stand. While they may seem rough at first glance, one is sure to be captivated by the depth of their expressions upon closer inspection.
These Rakkan statues were created in 1995 as a memorial for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, with temples in Kyoto taking the lead. Each statue, in a way, embodies the souls of the victims, bearing human-like expressions and stories. Some exhibit faces filled with anger and sorrow, reminiscent of the horrors of the disaster, while others display gentle expressions brimming with compassion. Each individual statue seems to reflect the people's resilience in the face of the disaster.
These works are more than just stone statues. It is said that they represent the