Jizo Buddha

Jizo statues can be found in many cemeteries and temples in Japan, and are depictions of the Buddhist monk Ksitigarbha, a bodhisattva who vowed not to achieve Nirvana until all hells are emptied. He is seen as a protector and guardian of children, especially those who have died before their parents. Jizo can often be seen wearing knitted hats or bibs, and are sometimes surrounded by toys or piles of small pebbles, put there by grieving parents in the hope that their loved ones will be protected by him.