Long-nosed goblin (Photo: Tomoko Kamishima)

Kamakura Kencho-ji's Hanzobo

Avatar God, accompanied by long-nosed goblins

Tomoko Kamishima   - 1 min read

The avatar God protecting Kencho-ji Temple is called Hanzobo. People believe Hanzobo has protective powers against fire, and the ability to bring good luck. Many bronze statues of long-nosed goblins are standing just before Hanzobo Shrine. Goblins have magical powers, and in addition, no one is a match for them in swordsmanship. Those goblins serve Hanzobo.

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Tomoko Kamishima

Tomoko Kamishima @tomoko.kamishima

Japan is a small island nation, but we have a huge number of surprising things to discover here. Many of these delights can be found when you step off the main street onto small side paths. I really enjoy studying about and researching various aspects of traditional Japanese culture, and then sha...