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Feb 22 2012 19 Comments

A truly disturbing Buddhist statue in Tokyo

With their constantly staring eyes, Japanese scarecrows make for an unsettling sight; one that probably has a much bigger impact on people passing by, rather than any pests they are supposed to be protecting the crops from.

Japanese scarecrow

The truly unpleasant gaze of a student statue revealing what appears to be a life-like face, however, in many ways makes the likes of those above seem positively pleasant looking.

scary Japanese statue

And yet it’s arguable that neither of them have anything on this: a Buddhist figure that is always watching — no matter which angle you warily try to look at it from.

scary Buddhist statue

Categorized: Odd, Photography, Religion

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. john says

    2/22/2012 at 8:38 am

    .. and listening, it would seem?

    Reply
    • Lee says

      2/22/2012 at 9:33 am

      Yes, he’s all eyes and ears…

      Reply
  2. Winnie_dc says

    2/22/2012 at 10:37 am

    Goodness, he is so creepy!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      2/22/2012 at 9:58 pm

      He certainly is!

      Reply
  3. winnie says

    2/22/2012 at 5:25 pm

    Sort of sad that the Buddhist figure had disfigured. It look like Human Specimen too and the expression of the eyes was so…..ghastly!!!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      2/22/2012 at 9:59 pm

      Yeah, people have been rubbing his head and shoulders so much that he’s started to wear away. I had a go myself, but very gingerly…

      Reply
  4. Andy says

    2/22/2012 at 6:38 pm

    ‘Cor, look at the lobes on that!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      2/22/2012 at 9:59 pm

      I know. Didn’t even notice them at the time though.

      Reply
  5. El-Branden Brazil says

    2/22/2012 at 6:39 pm

    The Sangha has got it’s eye on you, Lee! There is an interesting, albeit slightly creepy statue at Todaiji, in Nara. http://www.flickr.com/photos/themystictraveller/1511092631/in/set-72157601670538778

    Reply
    • Lee says

      2/22/2012 at 10:02 pm

      Not sure which is the most disturbing there…

      He did indeed. Saw him in the corner of the temple as soon as I walked in, but trying to photograph him straight on was difficult the way the light was coming in through the window. Couldn’t believe it though when I went to the side instead, and he was still looking at me!

      Reply
  6. Stephanie says

    2/22/2012 at 11:26 pm

    I… actually thought he was a real person. Urgh.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      2/23/2012 at 3:57 pm

      With those eyes, I know exactly what you mean…

      Reply
  7. Linette says

    2/22/2012 at 11:39 pm

    He looks like he should live below a French opera house, terrifying sopranos. Eeek.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      2/23/2012 at 3:57 pm

      Haha, very true!

      Reply
  8. Lizzy says

    2/23/2012 at 1:12 am

    Definitely unsettling. Great find!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      2/23/2012 at 3:58 pm

      Cheers. He wasn’t what I was expecting to see that’s for sure!

      Reply
  9. Gaijinass says

    2/23/2012 at 3:12 am

    They planted the crops and Satan laughed uproariously. Japanese corn and Sorcery. The seventh seal has been broken.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      2/23/2012 at 4:00 pm

      Not sure they have such a thing in Buddhism!

      Reply
  10. AussieOnTheIzu says

    3/2/2012 at 1:08 pm

    Huuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrgh!!! That was scary.

    Reply

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