Japanese "Sunglasses Buddha" Train Crossing Story ★ ONLY in JAPAN

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Japanese "Sunglasses Buddha" Train Crossing Story ★ ONLY in JAPAN

Рет қаралды 98,071

Күн бұрын

When a train crossing meets an 18 meter tall Buddha statue 150 meters away, the scene comes together to make a very unique image. From the right angle, the horizontal red signals line up to make a pair of goggles or sunglasses for the Colossal Buddha of Hotei in Konan city near Nagoya along the Meitetsu Inuyama Line.
I visited the spot for a day and spoke with Dr David Maeda, the owner of the Daibutsu about its construction, its importance to the area and the challenges he faces with owning such a massive statue today.
Where is the Buddha Sunglasses?
35°19'25.2"N 136°52'24.1"E
goo.gl/maps/av...
00:00 Intro
00:27 Animated Opening
00:42 Where is this?
02:30 Buddha Glasses Train Crossing
03:41 Colossal Buddha of Hotei
04:08 Why did he build it? (History)
07:19 The Statue at Night
08:40 Final Thoughts
Note: Please be respectful of the cemetery and pay respect the the town's ancestors before taking photos. It's a small respect that means a lot to the city and its people.
★ The ONLY in JAPAN Animated Opening was created for John by D'ART Shtajio dartshtajio.com/
◉ Media Inquiries & Questions: Please contact me through onlyinjapan.tv
ONLY in JAPAN ® is a registered trademark - All rights reserved.
John Daub has been a reporter for NHK World TV since 2008 and KZfaq creator & producer of the ONLY in JAPAN ® series building a community of over 1.6M. Thanks for watching!
#onlyinjapan #nagoya #buddhasunglasses

Пікірлер: 398

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Would you travel here to visit Buddha Sunglasses? What’s your favorite (secret) spot in Japan? 🤐 come on, spill it in the comments below and don’t forget to Subscribe to this new channel! You know you want to ٩( ᐛ )و because you love a good story too -John

@melaniejaneprocter5529 3 жыл бұрын

My favourite spot in japan is puroland as I'm a hello kitty lover and collecter 😃😍💙👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👋👋👋👋👋👋

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

@@melaniejaneprocter5529 I can understand why - Puroland is really fun, so much cuteness packed in tight!!

@davidwoomer8490 3 жыл бұрын

I have looked at the KZfaq video you were showing up at town with the Buddha with the crane light looking like glasses that look did amazing😍💕💕🤩🛤⛩

@ishansharma4454 3 жыл бұрын

Sapporo ramen alley

@Boomdizzle99 3 жыл бұрын

I do want to go to nagoya yes, since this isnt too far off I think I would like to stop by for sure!

@em_birch 3 жыл бұрын

Imagine being one of the first people to notice the "sunglasses". You're at this cemetery, visiting a passed loved one, feeling a bit melancholy, and you look up for a moment to see this huge Buddha with a pair of flashing red shades. It'd feel like the big guy himself were trying to cheer you up.

@SuperTechno2012 3 жыл бұрын

Good old Siddhartha Gautama! the man himself. xD

@ADeeSHUPA 3 жыл бұрын

@@SuperTechno2012 uP

@carterburton 2 жыл бұрын

@@SuperTechno2012 b

@d0lph1n63 Жыл бұрын

It just shows even Buddah has a great sense of humor

@thehoppingfox 3 жыл бұрын

I had to laugh, when Dr. Maidon said "I dont know". Nice little story. And like always great work of yours.

@meganm1350 3 жыл бұрын

What a fun story. Definitely, Only in Japan😁

@AverytheCubanAmerican 3 жыл бұрын

His "sunglasses". Okay that's just hilarious. Well played, Japan. Well played. This Buddha reminds me of the Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong which is even bigger than that!

@jason_from_canada 3 жыл бұрын

You bring us such unique stories John! This one was fun and illustrates how the old and new can converge in weird and wonderful ways, something that seems unique to Japan. 😎

@raymondcenteno5835 3 жыл бұрын

I love discovering these "slightly off the beaten path" locations. I find it interesting that this was privately created. Thanks for the video, John!

@hellohi821 3 жыл бұрын

Fascinating topic! It is amazing to see how much Konan has changed over the years. Showing images of when the statue was first built and comparing those with present day images was a nice touch.

@UFOBobTV 3 жыл бұрын

Loved the video, so much fun. I was caught by surprise that the doctor spoke English. And the photos from 1954 were fantastic; I wish I could have seen Japan in the 50s.

@onlyinjapanGO 3 жыл бұрын

Maeda Sensei also speaks German! I needed it to study Phramacy and has a US passport (He’s American 🇺🇸) Californian!!

@sharangbhattacharya6401 3 жыл бұрын

Japan was in a rapid shift and boom during that time you wouldn't have understand what the heck was going on. Think you visited Japan in 1954 then again in 1984 you would say seeing that this isn't Japan. Yes, being in Japan during mid-50s to mid-80s was the greatest thing you could do cuz this is the period when japan shifted from the poverty and starving condition to condition of ?? Well, you know the answer.🇯🇵🇯🇵

@KSPRAYDAD 3 жыл бұрын

Love it when you add interviews to your stories John. The Dr was great. Need those Buddha Sunglasses on a postal stamp.

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Yes!! That would be a great way to support the statue too!

@Tastychronicles 3 жыл бұрын

Love Dr. Maeda's response as to why his father had the buddha statue made. Wonderful story. Awesome video.

@jediron169 3 жыл бұрын

Really amazing seeing nothing around it but fields in 1954 and the city built up around it over the years.

@snehabhattacharjee9727 3 жыл бұрын

Buddha with sunglasses is at the peak of awesomeness! 😎

@redsamurai192 5 ай бұрын

one thing i love about your videos is that you always investigate the "why" of everything we see in Japan, which is interesting and fun to watch!

@linnyunt 3 жыл бұрын

This is the epitome of your goal to tell the offbeat stories on your new channel, John. Great work. I saw the picture of this Buddha a while ago and it's cool to hear the story behind it.

@ChelseaH1 3 жыл бұрын

The fact that they didn’t do this on purpose is pretty poetic. And Dr. Maidon would have witnessed all of that expansion after the war! 🤯

@NoshAbroad 3 жыл бұрын

What a fun bite sized video. Sometimes things don't need to explained. It's just great that they are, and that can be good enough.

@ChritsianBucic 3 жыл бұрын

Super good topic! I have seen it on IG before but knowing nothing about it, and yes you did it! Very interesting short format! 👌🏻

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Keep it simple, sometimes :)

@whodoyoudancefor 3 жыл бұрын

The use of chapters here is fantastic. Thank you!

@yunwong7953 3 жыл бұрын

Such a fun and interesting story and love how you dove into the history! Adding this to my bookmark of places to visit in Nagoya.

@user-ts7ko4pu4o 3 жыл бұрын

若い頃に比べて目じりの小じわが増えましたね。笑顔が多い人生を歩いている人の特徴です。うらやましいっっっ

@ShibaDoggie939 3 жыл бұрын

Really cool story behind the Buddha! The Dr speaks English so well!

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

And German! Very smart guy - which is why he’s a doctor :)

@muh.ghofur_r 3 жыл бұрын

Great video & keep your great work - Love from Indonesian peolpe 🇮🇩🇯🇵🙏

@effie-montreal 3 жыл бұрын

What an amazing video about the story about the Buddha, thank you John

@__aceofspades 3 жыл бұрын

Dr. Maeda speaks great English. Also its crazy to see how the Buddha was erected in open fields, and half a century later its still standing but surrounded by so much infrastructure. Maybe Dr. Maeda can gift the statue to the city, and have it maintained after his passing.

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Dr Maeda is actually American 🇺🇸 he’s Californian but came back to care for the Daibutsu and family affairs. Studied in the US and worked there for years.

@copilotconrad 3 жыл бұрын

John, I gotta say, u put so much effort into these videos and the least anyone can do watching this is thank you for it, these videos actually take us out of the COVID mindset for a while and let us focus on something more interesting

@jennifersantos3918 3 жыл бұрын

This is such a fun and happy story. I only hope they are able to maintain this cool Buddha for years to come. Thanks for sharing!

@UFOBobTV 2 жыл бұрын

This popped up in my feed this evening, so I decided to watch this again. It”s such a wonderful story.

@onlyinjapan 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It deserves a few more views and I’m grateful *\(^o^)/*

@mehulsethi5886 3 жыл бұрын

The editing is soo on point , I love it. The former OIJ is about to get new MC , which was kinda sad but I think that the content on this channel definitely makes up for it, This is just AMAZING ! Keep up the Great Work.

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - I was never “MC” of that channel. I was the creator and producer and I never quit ONLY in JAPAN, I quit WAO and their system and culture. Their values don’t match mine and why I started this channel after the Great Tohoku Earthquake in the first place. They miss the point. People change - who knows?! Don’t know about corporations though ...

@mehulsethi5886 3 жыл бұрын

@@onlyinjapan Yeah , the main reason I watch your shows and live streams is because of you only .Your morals and your honest opinions about Japan is what makes me want to watch you more. I believe your content is the best among all other creators and I can also see all the hard work you put in to make such awesome content, so no matter what circumstances arise I will never stop watching you 😃 💪 💪.

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, stay positive, do things for the right reasons :) a channel is just a place to upload one’s work. It’s sad that I have so much of it there but so many people have had worse things happen to them. I’m grateful for what I do have and that’s the secret to life 😁 good health, family and lots of laughter! Anything that takes that away from you should be ✂️ future is super exciting!! I’ll keep them coming Swagsy!! I’m so glad you’re here and we’re going to have quite an adventure the next few years here!

@mehulsethi5886 3 жыл бұрын

@@onlyinjapan Yes sir , hoping for the best 💪💪

@mrs.quills7061 3 жыл бұрын

Dang, you’re really spoiling us with all the streams, the fireworks event and now you managed to push out another little episode! Keep up the hard work, John!

@PaulLeCrone 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic story as always, John. One of my favorite parts of your videos is the care and respect you give for the culture. Always a class act.

@lovemedead1594 3 жыл бұрын

Loved hearing the story behind the Buddha from the Dr. Another great video!

@shannondore 3 жыл бұрын

That is so cool! I'd love to see that in person someday. And nice of you to mention respecting the loved ones in the cemetery. That's very important when visiting any cemetary.

@TorToroPorco 3 жыл бұрын

This could very well be the most Zen video John has ever done. Attention to and appreciating life’s small details is part of the Zen way. Buddha is smiling on John.

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

I'm smiling back with great appreciation for the little things, those details we sometimes forget in life :)

@philliprandall793 3 жыл бұрын

I like the story and history that you're able to present to the world. John, your presentation on various topics is superb. I like learning about various topics you speak of on Only in Japan.

@Brandania_moble 3 жыл бұрын

Luv it! A fun story and the old photos were awesome. It's always amazing to see how much things change over time. Thank you for reminding people to be respectful of the grave yard and keep up the awesome 👍😁🤘

@dodgeman6277 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John for sharing the story. Love the buddha sunglasses

@SheppardP90 3 жыл бұрын

Great job again 🙂

@jjdinanno4147 3 жыл бұрын

I want to know more about Dr. David Maeda. There is more to his family history than just that Buddha. His English was fantastic. Curious about most of his family living in the US as well.

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, we talked for almost an hour. He moved to California to study. When Nixon went to China in the 1970s, his wife was treated with acupuncture. It worked! When the Nixon’s returned from China, acupuncture become popular in the US! Dr Maeda took his knowledge from his study in Japan and with Pharmacy and had a successful practice in California. His father who built the Buddha passed away young, in his 50s and his family did the best they could, selling land to pay for renovations to the Buddha. But his mother was cheated of a lot of money when David was in the USA and he came back to fight it, but there was nothing he could do. Him mother passed away and the Buddha became his responsibility. David is a Californian at heart. I know he’d love to return. His son is there with his family! It was easy to feel a connection with him. I also hope he can find a way to preserve what his father made, crazy or not, it was a bold thing to do and now kind of good history of the Nagoya area!

@umbertogln 3 жыл бұрын

@@onlyinjapan Thanks John for this extra! Very interesting 🤩

@jjdinanno4147 3 жыл бұрын

@@onlyinjapan Fascinating. Thank you for sharing this story. Might be a good topic for one of the "Go" videos! I love this deeper backstory stuff.

@ADeeSHUPA 3 жыл бұрын

@@jjdinanno4147 uP

@AlanGraham 3 жыл бұрын

Well done! 👍👍👍 I was curious about the banner... Seems to be promoting traffic safety! 5pm is the cursed time! Maybe it also hides some of the decay.

@onlyinjapanGO 3 жыл бұрын

Right! Traffic safety - I hope the statue can be cared for. Dr Maeda might even sell if a good offer came! They had to sell land to take care of this which is a shame. It’s just not possible in 2020 for the family to care for this jewel of a place themselves.

@AlanGraham 3 жыл бұрын

@@onlyinjapanGOMight be a crowdfunding opportunity... I have another idea for a future episode, but need permission from the author before discussing. Hint... It involves a record breaking 🛩️. If I receive permission, I will message you via Patreon. Please stay safe.. don't drive and video near Disneyland, especially around 5pm 🤔

@TheNails3 3 жыл бұрын

Nice psy-trance track in this one! 🎶 Incredible editing and camera-work John, wow, very impressive.

@nicholasgraffeo856 3 жыл бұрын

Loved the video! Between the traffic stop sound going off and the background music, it felt like I was watching a music video. lol

@obisan666 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, really catchy tune

@thegastrotraveler 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely stuff John. I love these little local stories. Can’t wait to get back.

@bkim3444 3 жыл бұрын

Congratulations and good luck on your new channel, John. This short story on the Sunglasses Buddha was interesting and entertaining.

@DRealSelix 3 жыл бұрын

I love how tolerant the neighbourhood is. Imagine tourists showing up to check this out daily. I wonder if there are any shops/businesses nearby that could benefit from this.

@kayel4487 3 жыл бұрын

My homestay was in Konan! Glad to see some coverage of the area 😄

@peacefulplanet921 3 жыл бұрын

You are so lucky that you visited there. I am crazy for Budhha and his teachings. Sometimes I wish that I were his contemporary then I follow him. Love you Budhha and a lot off of to everyone.

@DiRECs 3 жыл бұрын

When I first saw the statue I was surprised the neighbours hadn't objected to its construction. Well... there were no neighbours! 5:12 It was there first! Didn't think of that...

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Haha!! NO NEIGHBORS at all in 1956!

@MrWade-kf7su 3 жыл бұрын

The ONLY in JAPAN intro always put a smile on my face -- love the upbeat tune!

@georgemunz 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for making this video. You answered all of my questions.

@CMDRSweeper 2 жыл бұрын

I would have visited the Buddha sunglasses if I were there, but my main attraction would have been the freeways of Nagoya so I would combine it with that. Yes, having read, studied and enjoyed the fiction of highway racing in Japan from the 90s, the network and seeing those roads would have been a treat.

@trackerbro2472 3 жыл бұрын

So exited to watch!

@betinhoassanuma6408 3 жыл бұрын

I had an appointment with Sensei Maeda yesterday and he showed you video! Awesome production btw!

@cybeam1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for all the background info and the interview with Dr Maeda, John!! Excellent report again!!

@Yokokazuo Жыл бұрын

Happened across this video, but I first went to Japan a bit over 10 years ago and lived in Konan on an exchange program with my host family! While I took some photos from the train/nearby, I never did actually get an up close look at the statue in Hotei. But I instantly recognized it a couple years back when I saw a friend share a post of the Buddha sunglasses. I’ve taken trips back to Japan/Konan every few years, but my last trip was pre-pandemic so I hope I can have another chance to go in the near future.

@IronIkarus 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome videos as always , thanks to your recommendations i made my trip back in 2016

@zakkwylde72 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! so cool!

@donkey-fart 3 жыл бұрын

This is such a random tourist tip lol! Thanks for sharing! Your videos are great!

@james080285 3 жыл бұрын

Nice to see a new vlog...after a long wait☺️

@user-pe8xe2dq4v 3 жыл бұрын

布袋駅だ！駅の高架化が5月に終わったばかりでとてもきれいです。

@cysage5876 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you're still going, I thought you were gone from youtube after checking your original channel.

@adlibao76 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video as usual! What else can I say. My favorite youtuber!

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Woo-hoo!! \(^_^)/

@nagia3535 3 жыл бұрын

I like this episode. Very simple and to the point.

@truthboi400 3 жыл бұрын

love your intro. very nice to see you back

@dailies6033 3 жыл бұрын

Love the opening!!! Very creative JD!!!

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Loved making this together with D’ART SHTAJIO!! Its perfect except we may make some little changes like with the new logo.

@andystaxes9811 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the trip!

@redredredtail 3 жыл бұрын

that thumbnail is lit!

@karmaakabane4373 3 жыл бұрын

Really good animation

@chefevilee9566 3 жыл бұрын

I love the new start to your videos!

@twicket5 3 жыл бұрын

Love it. Yes indeed time for a rave Great video and editing

@bryank5502 3 жыл бұрын

Only in japan is not only in japan without John Daub, LONG LIVE JOHN

@shirishpanwalkar 3 жыл бұрын

Loved the video! Keep up the great work!

@sabbys7750 3 жыл бұрын

Totally cool!! I would definitely travel that's to see it!! 🤓🤓👍👍

@CityWalksLondonVlog 3 жыл бұрын

Great video John, whoever position that Traffic light was genius!! Keep the videos coming 🙏🙏just subscribed.

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the new channel!

@hazelmagallanes5336 3 жыл бұрын

You are really producing very good videos. Your narration is the best and I couldn't find anyone who narrates about Japan better than anyone else ❤️

@drkmtrx 3 жыл бұрын

I'm actually surprised that the level crossing bells sound full blast till the train passes. In my area the bells go near silent after the arms are closed. Maybe they don't to that in rural areas.

@clownearound5751 Жыл бұрын

Hi John. I’ve been going back through the channel enjoying your content again. It goes without saying that everything you do is of the highest quality but what also always shines through is the high respect show you towards everything you do as well. Thank you for all your great content and best wishes to you and the family

@RMIDRIVER 3 жыл бұрын

i actually only just got to watch this John very nice.. would love to there to see this in person.

@gerardcamphens3578 3 жыл бұрын

You find this sunglasses ONLY IN JAPAN. I wish had I them😂 they are cool. I must visit Hotei. Thanks John

@tech1238 3 жыл бұрын

😀 Fun story thank you! ❤️

@Slammer_1970 3 жыл бұрын

I just love the thumbnail that you used for this video. I've seen this image both during my research into different places to visit in Japan and it has appeared here and there on the Facebook groups I belong to about Japan. This was another great video. Over again, thanks for all that you're doing for us your fans and followers.

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

There’s a story to everything, even famous images on the internet :)

@KCDash4400cw 5 ай бұрын

"trains pass by about every 5 minutes" That sounds like a dream come true for me. Meanwhile over here in the states we have to wait hours just to catch one train.

@manci.manwlhs Жыл бұрын

That's so cool! That Buddha got swag! 😎

@ashutosh821991 3 жыл бұрын

nice video John, as always tc

@srimansingaravelan 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome sunglasses...

@Eryndrael 3 жыл бұрын

I get so excited when I see a new video posted. Its a whole new adventure! 😁

@kelath5555 3 жыл бұрын

I feel like adding a pin to a map at each of these amazing locations to construct the ultimate Japan roadtrip.

@robertgeorge5020 3 жыл бұрын

Great story thanks John !!

@heythisissorandom3800 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome Video 😎 makes me want to visit japan even more😻

@MikeCatrone 3 жыл бұрын

Happy to see this new channel of yours growing! Keep it up John!

@janleoung7237 3 жыл бұрын

Glad to see uploads from this channel.

@onetwothreec5067 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing video as always! Love the way you would dig out the story behind. They are easily forgotten by people. Your footage could be an important part to record different stories in Japanese history! Keep up the good work John :)

@xpgx1 3 жыл бұрын

Woah! I absolutely looooove the new style (freedom?) you have now =) Thx for this John, what a nice and slick start of my #weekend

@GuReumArtStudio 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you John! This is so awesome. We've been watching your channel for a very long time. Keep up the great work!

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I’m happy to hear from you :) working on a few new videos now.

@Goalsplus 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome back, John. I'm glad I found you again.

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome back is in order for a 1000 more people this weekend :) I'm glad many are coming back. It'll take some time but so grateful you're here.

@Goalsplus 3 жыл бұрын

@@onlyinjapan yes, I think it has something to do with algorithms and such like but you'll get there. Hopefully sooner with all this activity triggering things.

@WispyWoodsman 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting, well presented and I appreciate the extra effort put into the time stamps. A very classy production.

@ClintBabb 3 жыл бұрын

I'm a little late to the party finding your new channel, but I'm so glad I finally found it. I followed for years on your old channel and was a bit worried months ago when I saw the old channel was looking for another creator. Glad to see it was just a parting of ways and everything is otherwise okay with you. Keep up the great work! One of my favorite channels!

@onlyinjapan 3 жыл бұрын

The ONLY in JAPAN series is a live and well here :) and I’m here to keep it that way. Thanks for finding me Clint - we’ve got many amazing adventures ahead! -J