Jizo statues are all over the place in Japan. He’s the “protector of children, expectant mothers, firemen, and travelers. Most of all, he is the protector of deceased children, including miscarried, aborted or stillborn infants.” (“Jizo Bosatsu: Bodhisattva of Deceased Children,” Barbara O’Brien, About.com)

This ever-so-cute Jizo was crouched along the path at Meigeitsu-in.