Exhibition

The late Heian period was a time of widespread anxiety and confusion due to epidemics (smallpox), frequent earthquakes, and successive battles. In 1052, the first year of the Latter Day of the Law, Byodo-in Temple was founded in Uji, Kyoto. It began when Fujiwara no Michinaga inherited a mansion along the Uji River, where aristocrats' villas were lined, and his son Fujiwara no Yorimichi converted it into a temple. In order to recreate paradise before the eyes of the people, the temple was built with a dreamlike beauty, the principal image of Amida Nyorai was enshrined in the Phoenix Hall, and paintings of paradise and raigo-zu (pictures of the coming of the dead) were painted inside the hall. This exhibition introduces the faith, culture, art, and history of Byodo-in Temple and its subtemples, which have protected the national culture and Pure Land faith of the Heian period and passed them down to the present day. From the numerous temple treasures newly discovered in recent research and now on public display for the first time outside the temple, to the replicas made throughout the ages to pass on the history of Byodo-in to future generations, this exhibition will convey the charm of Byodo-in, where culture and beauty from ancient times to the present blend together.

Organizers: Byodo-in Temple Phoenix Hall and Jodo-in Temple Exhibition Executive Committee (Ehime Prefecture, Nankai Broadcasting), Yomiuri Shimbun, Byodo-in Temple Jodo-in Temple

Sponsors: Ehime Bank, Daiichi Gas, Lexus Matsuyama Johoku

Supporters: Matsuyama City, Matsuyama City Board of Education, Ehime Prefecture Municipal Board of Education Association, Ehime Prefecture Elementary and Junior High School Principals Association, Ehime Prefecture Art Association, Ehime Art Education Federation, Ehime Prefecture Cultural Association, Ehime Prefecture Cultural Promotion Foundation, Matsuyama Tourism and Convention Association, Ehime Buddhist Association, Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Association, Ehime Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun Matsuyama General Bureau, Yomiuri Shimbun Matsuyama Branch, Mainichi Shimbun Matsuyama Branch, Television Ehime, Ai Television, Ehime Asahi Television, Ehime CATV, FM Ehime, Ehime Living Newspaper, RNC Nishinippon Broadcasting, Shikoku Broadcasting Co., Ltd., RKC Kochi Broadcasting

Ehime Prefectural Museum of Art, Nankai Broadcasting (head office reception), Iyotetsu Takashimaya, Fuji Grand stores in the prefecture, Akiya Bookstore stores in the prefecture (some exceptions apply), Junkudo Bookstore Matsuyama, Coop Ehime Lifestyle and Culture Services, Lawson Ticket (L Code: 62703), Ticket Pia (P Code: 685-796), Family Mart, Seven-Eleven

*Sales period varies by location.

*Please apply for the commemorative lectures and workshops by telephone, fax, or via our website (contact form).
*Please note that events may be canceled depending on the status of COVID-19 infections.

Date and time: Wednesday, November 3rd (National Holiday) 14:00-15:30
Venue: Auditorium
Lecturer: Kamui Fumiaki (Chief Priest of Byodo-in Temple)
Capacity: 60 people
※Free to attend. Advance registration required.

Date and time: Saturday, December 11th, 14:00-15:30
Venue: Auditorium
Lecturer: Gomi Toshiaki (Museum curator)
Capacity: 60 people
*Participation is free.

Date and time: Sunday, January 9th, 14:00-15:30
Venue: Auditorium
Lecturer: Gomi Toshiaki (Museum curator)
Capacity: 60 people
*Participation is free.

Date and time: Sunday, December 5th 10:30-11:30, 14:00-15:00
Venue: Observation lobby
Material cost: 300 yen
※Advance registration required. Maximum of 5 people per session.