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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.

English
  • Originally Aired February 28, 2025
  • Runtime 28 minutes
  • Created February 25, 2025 by
    cparrey
  • Modified February 25, 2025 by
    cparrey