Overview

The Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

In 2002, a cooperative effort was begun between West Virginia University and The University of Aizu to preserve and digitally document the history of the Aizu region of the Fukushima Prefecture in Japan. That summer, a team was sent by West Virginia University to the Aizu valley to make digital scans and virtual models of specific Buddhist historical sites throughout the region.

The following summer, a second team of students sponsored by West Virginia University travelled to Aizu to continue that work. The goal of the 2003 team is to continue the research, preservation, and digital documentation of the history of the Aizu region, with an emphasis on Buddhist historical sites, culture, and traditions of the Aizu region. Digital data, photographs, and other media and information will be gathered, catalogued, and presented online for educational purposes: to create a cultural atlas of Aizu Buddhism.

The Aizu Region of the Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

Historic Background

Throughout the Aizu region of the Fukushima Prefecture in Japan there are thirty-three "Kannon-sama", or honored (Buddhist) dieties, housed in "kannon-sama do" (temples, or shrines). Many similar series of Kannon-sama exist in Japan, and worshippers undergo a "Mairi", or pilgrimage, visiting a number of sites. At each kannon-sama do in the Aizu Mairi, the worshipper must approach the Kannon-sama and sing a particular song for that Kannon-sama do. After completing the song, the worshipper symbolicly greets the kannon-sama do by ringing a "wani-guchi" (a ceremonial bell attached to the front of the temple). Following the ringing the wani-guchi, the worshipper steps up to the kannon-sama, and recites a short prayer.

The research focus of the 2003 Aizu Cultural Heritage Project will be the Aizu pilgrimage, in the Aizu region of the Fukushima Prefecture. The Aizu pilgrimage consists of a series of thirty-three kannon-sama located throughout the Aizu region.