Relocation work had begun on the Jizo statue beside the rotary along Ekimae-dori near JR Ashiya Station, between “ARPA Ashiya” and “La Rive Ashiya.”
↑It’s being moved from the spot in the back left of the photo to near the rotary entrance on the right.
↑It had been relocated facing west, with its back toward the rotary.
↑It looks like this is the side where people will pay their respects. The space in front is a little narrow, but since it’s only a temporary relocation, it can’t really be helped.
↑Actually… when the photo was taken, the Jizo statue wasn’t inside. The doors had also been removed, so it seems the relocation was still in progress.
↑The former site where the Jizo statue stood has been paved with asphalt. The bench was still there.
↑The construction period is scheduled to run until Friday, March 21, so the Jizo statue will probably be back inside by then.
With the removal work for the “First Overpass,” there had even been talk at one point of ending care for this Jizo statue. Hopefully it will continue to be loved by the community and protected for many years to come!
On the map, it’s around here↓
