"I love Buddhist art, but I had never been able to visit this place." For me, Katsujoji in Yukawa Village was exactly that kind of temple.
When starting the project of 'Threads of Travel', I finally made the long-awaited visit with the thought of 'this time for sure!'... To be honest, I got a little lost (laughs).
Nestled quietly in a peaceful rural landscape, it appears to be just a small village temple at first glance. However, the moment I stepped inside that hall, I gasped. There, lined up were the "National Treasure" statues radiating an overwhelming presence, rivaling those of famous temples in the capital.
This time, we will guide you through the charm of "Katsunouji," a treasure trove of Heian Buddhist art unparalleled in the Tohoku region, and the grand historical mysteries hidden within.
Twelve Heian Buddha statues gathered at the village temple
In the Yakushido of Katsunouji (reconstructed during the Muromachi period; designated as an Important Cultural Property) and its storage, there are 12 Heian period Buddha statues, including the national treasure "Yakushi Nyorai seated statue" and the flanking "Nikkō and Gekkō Bosatsu statues." It is extremely rare for such a large number of ancient Buddha statues to remain in one place, having survived wars and fires.
Particularly captivating is the national treasure "Yakushi Nyorai seated statue" that sits in the center. Approximately 140 centimeters tall, this statue carved from a single zelkova tree has a thick chest and an impressive volume, exuding a solid strength. Yet, depending on the angle from which you view it, you can also sense a youthful and gentle quality, giving it a mysterious charm.
Who left such a magnificent Buddha statue here, and for what purpose?
[Historical Mystery] The barrier of the "Aizu Five Yakushi" to calm the anger of Mount Bandai
The key to solving this mystery lies once again with the genius monk, Tokuichi. (Be sure to check out the previous article on Eijitsu Temple as well.)
The grand scale of the "Aizu Five Yakushi" that calms the earth
According to legend, in the first year of Daido (806), Mount Bandai, a symbol of Aizu, erupted violently, causing immense damage to the region. Grieved by this, Tokuichi carved five Yakushi Nyorai statues to alleviate the suffering of the people and calm the anger of the earth.
He arranged them to surround Mount Bandai to the east, west, south, north, and center.
This is the grand scale barrier known as the "Aizu Five Yakushi." Katsunouji was established as the "Central Yakushi" to seal this ominous gate, making it one of the most important centers of Aizu Buddhism. Can you imagine how earnestly the people of that time looked up to this Buddha with their heartfelt prayers?
The lineage of Aizu's "monozukuri" that begins with Buddha statues
Furthermore, when viewed from an "artistic and craft perspective," the group of Buddha statues at Katsunouji reveals another interesting historical connection.
The Buddha statues at Katsunouji, while made from "a single zelkova tree," also employed the "dry lacquer technique" (using lacquer and hemp cloth), and advanced wooden joinery techniques that would later become mainstream were already in use, showcasing cutting-edge technology for that time. It is said that Tokuichi brought top-notch sculptors and craftsmen from the capital to build his ideal Buddhist world in this area.
Experience an overwhelming journey of "beauty" and "prayer"
How was it? The story of overwhelming Buddhist art and the grand boundaries hidden in a tranquil village.
In "Tabinoito", we offer a 【Academic Style】 tour that thoroughly explains the intricate artistic features of these statues (such as the beauty of the folds in the robes and the depth of the carvings) and the connections to Aizu's history.
If you have an intellectual curiosity like, "I want to directly feel the aura emitted by real national treasures, not just through books and photos," or "I want to understand the connection between Buddhist art and local culture on a deeper level," then why not visit Katsukyoji with us? Please let us share the emotions waiting beyond the doors of the hall as you navigate through the maze-like village paths.
