People in Osaka pray for children’s growth at traditional ‘Jizobon’ event

A community in Osaka City, western Japan, has held a traditional “Jizobon” festival dedicated to children.

“Jizobon,” which dates back to the Edo Period from the 17th through 19th centuries, has mainly been passed down in the Kansai region of western Japan.

In the annual event, people decorate and present offerings to Buddhist statues of the Jizo Bodhisattva in their neighborhood and pray for the healthy growth and safety of children.

Residents of the city’s Ryuzoji district set up tents in front of a Jizo statue and presented fruit and other offerings.

Visitors, including children and their parents, prayed in front of the statue. Children were given a package of confectionery.

One father, who visited with his two infant daughters and wife, said he prayed that the girls will grow up in good health.

Their mother said she had not known about the event, but it had been a good experience. She added that her greatest wish is for their daughters to grow up quickly.