This is one of the most popular figures in Japanese Buddhism, famously known as the "Rubbing Buddha."
The Healing Ritual: He is a "Nade-botoke" (rubbing statue). Visitors rub a part of the statue’s body and then rub their own corresponding part, believing he will heal their ailments or pain.
The Red Bib: He is usually seen sitting outside the temple entrance wearing a red cap and bib. Red is a traditional color in Japan used to ward off illness and evil.
The Exile: According to legend, he sits outside the main hall because he was forbidden from entering Nirvana for misusing his supernatural powers. Instead, he remains on Earth to help the sick and suffering.
Appearance: He is depicted as an elderly man with long white eyebrows. Over centuries, many of his statues have become smooth and worn down from the touch of millions of hands.
