Journeys in Japan

Season 16 Episode 3: Enku's 120,000 Smiles Over Gifu

Roughly hewed, smiling statues of deities and Buddhas... A monk named Enku is believed to have sculpted some 120,000 in Gifu Prefecture, which are beloved to this day. We discover the stunning nature and culture of this area by following in the monk-sculptor's footsteps. We see where he practiced shugendo—rigorous mountain spiritual training; and where he stopped to create his charismatic statues. Actor Jonathan Senior travels to places associated with Enku to learn about his enduring legacy.

Genre:

Documentary

Seasons:

17

Episodes:

551

Cast:

Bill Sullivan

Quality:

HD

Duration:

28 min

First Air:

2010

Rating:

9.0