The Emperor and Empress of Japan visited the Tokyo National Museum on Tuesday to view a special exhibition celebrating the 1,250th anniversary of Kukai's birth [1].
The visit highlights the enduring cultural and spiritual influence of Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. By attending the exhibition, the imperial couple underscores the national importance of preserving Japan's religious art and historical legacy.
The exhibition, titled "Kukai and the Treasures of Shingon," opened on July 14 [2]. It features a total of 88 items [1], including 15 national treasures [2], and 60 important cultural properties [2]. The collection also includes nine special displays of hidden Buddhist statues, totaling 11 figures [2].
During their tour of the museum in Ueno Park, the imperial couple expressed admiration for the scale of the collection. "You have managed to gather such a wonderful collection," the Emperor and Empress said [1].
The exhibition has drawn significant attention since its opening. Singer-songwriter MISIA, who visited the collection earlier this month, said she was so captivated that she was left speechless [3].
The curated selection provides a comprehensive look at the artistic and philosophical contributions of Kukai. The items on display range from sacred texts to intricate sculptures, illustrating the spread of Shingon Buddhism across Japan starting over a millennium ago.
“"You have managed to gather such a wonderful collection,"”
The imperial visit serves as a formal recognition of Kukai's role in shaping Japanese civilization. By highlighting a collection that includes both national treasures and previously hidden statues, the event reinforces the link between the Japanese monarchy and the preservation of the nation's Buddhist heritage during a major chronological milestone.
