One of the largest temples in Yamagata City, the main building of Senshōji dates back to 170. Its roof is supported by a quartet of guardian statues attributed to Hidari Jingorō, a legendary sculptor best known for his carvings of the Three Wise Monkeys and the Sleeping Cat in Nikko.
As the statues were so well-sculpted, they soon became a subject of urban legend. The most popular rumor was that the guardians would cry at night, but there existed two different explanations for it.
One story is that the guardians would sneak out of the temple every night to sumo-wrestle, but the monk put an end to their pastime by nailing their feet to the pillars. The other story is more simple, stating that the guardians cry from all the weight put on their shoulders. Whichever explanation you accept, the so-called Night-Crying Sumo Wrestlers are quite unique and interesting to look at, making Senshōji Temple well worth a visit.
