noun
Jizō; Ksitigarbha; Jizō statue
Polite and familiar term for Jizō (Ksitigarbha), the Buddhist bodhisattva often seen as a guardian of children and travelers. Commonly refers to the stone statues found at roadsides and temples.
See also: 地蔵菩薩
A Jizō statue stands by the roadside.
子どもたちはお地蔵さんにお菓子をお供えした。
The children offered sweets to the Jizō statue.
From お (honorific prefix) + 地蔵 (Jizō, from the Buddhist bodhisattva Ksitigarbha) + さん (honorific suffix). The term reflects the affectionate, familiar regard for Jizō in Japanese folk religion.