Buddhist Blockbuster in Tokyo

WALL STREET JOURNAL
By Hiroyuki Kachi

A huge statue of the Buddhist priest, Kukai, stands in Niigata in 2001. 

JAPAN - In a blockbuster display of Buddhist art treasures, the Tokyo National Museum Wednesday opened an exhibit devoted to one of Japan’s best-known monks, credited with bringing “Esoteric Buddhism” to the country from China in early 9th century. And for enthusiasts, the setting is one not to be missed: “Kukai’s World: the Arts of Esoteric Buddhism” offers a collection of 99 items related to Kukai, some of them much more easily accessible in a museum than in their traditional temple locations far removed from the capital. PHOTO: Courtesy of Wall Street Journal. [link]