In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Kyushu National Museum, the first-ever comprehensive exhibition on the 850-year history of Jōdo-shū (Pure Land Buddhism) is being held. Founded by Hōnen, who taught that anyone could reach the Pure Land by chanting “Namu Amida Butsu,” the sect gained wide support from nobles to commoners, and flourished under the Tokugawa shogunate in the Edo period. The exhibition explores Hōnen’s life, teachings, and the sect’s history through rare and important artifacts. Some exhibits will change from Nov 5.
Statues of Shakyamuni Entering Nirvana with Sacred Retinue
Edo period, 17th century
Hōnen-ji Temple, Kagawa
Throughout the exhibition
• 10/7 (Sat.) ~ 11/30 (Sun.)
• Closed: Mon., and Oct. 14, Nov. 4, Nov. 25. (open on Oct. 13, Nov. 3, Nov. 24)
• 9:30~17:00 (open until 20:00 on Fri. and Sat., last entry: 30 min. before closing)
• Fee: ¥2,000, college & HS ¥1,200, free for under JHS
• Kyushu National Museum
• 4-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.kyuhaku.jp/en/exhibition/exhibition_s74.html
Important Cultural Property
Seated Statue of Amitabha Buddha in Meditation for 5 Eons
Kamakura period, 12th–13th century Gokō-in Temple, Nara
Throughout the exhibition
National Treasure
Illustrated Biography of Master Hōnen, Vol. 6 (partial)
Kamakura period, 14th century
Chion-in Temple, Kyoto
Second half (11/5~11/30)
Standing Statue of Amitabha Buddha, known as Amitabha Looking Back
Kamakura period, 13th century
Zenkō-ji Temple, Yamagata
Throughout the exhibition
