By YOSHIAKI KONISHI/ Staff Writer
November 6, 2022 at 14:27 JST
Visitors appreciate a Chinese-style lantern adorning the premises of Manpukuji temple in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, on Nov. 4. (Kenta Sujino)
UJI, Kyoto Prefecture--A spectacular sight awaits visitors to a Buddhist temple here founded by a Chinese monk in the early 17th century as Japan and China mark the 50th anniversary of their normalized diplomatic ties this year.
Thirty or so highly ornate Chinese-style lanterns built by craftsmen from China for the event are being used to illuminate the temple grounds each evening until the end of January.
The lantern festival at Manpukuji temple also commemorates the 350th anniversary of the death of its founder, Yin Yuan (1592-1673), as he is called in Chinese. Japanese know him as Ingen.
After arriving in Japan, Yin established the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism with Manpukuji serving as the head temple. Numerous sub-temples were established across Japan.
The lanterns were made with metal frames and satin fabric to create exquisite designs.
Shokyoku Araki, a top official of the temple, noted that splashy lanterns are used during memorial services in China.
“I am hoping that the event to commemorate the milestone year for Japan-China relations, as well as for our founding monk, will help visitors become familiar with Chinese culture and help to maintain friendly ties with China,” Araki, 55, said. “We are planning to make the festival a routine in autumn and want word to spread about what we are doing.”
Visitors pass through “the gate of friendship between Japan and China” to the festival venue, where a lantern created in the image of a 15-meter-long ship Yin was supposed to have been on when he traveled to Japan, and one representing his favorite tea ware, are on display.
In front of the temple’s main hall stands a lantern of Buddhist angels. Others include those of the Monkey King of “Journey to West,” a Chinese novel from the 16th century, and dragon dance, a fixture of Chinese New Year celebrations.
“These lanterns are so different from typical Japanese lanterns and feature vivid primary colors that are so beautiful,” gushed Miwako Kitano, a resident of Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture, after she visited the temple.
The festival is held daily from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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