Joujizs (pronounced Joo-jizs), written in Japanese hiragana script and usually consisting of characters such as (Ji, otetsu), are an effective way to show gratitude towards subscribers or others. Jouzu is another compliment term in Japanese similar to Mei wei iumai (Umai).

Jizo is one of Japan’s guardian deities, believed to provide protection for travelers. You may see Jizo statues along mountain pathways, crossroads and village entrances; unborn babies as well as those unable to cross over to heaven can find solace with this deity; worshippers offer baby bibs and otetsu to this deity to show their thanks; parents who have lost children sometimes build stone towers next to Jizo as penance to ensure their souls enter heaven without suffering.

Hasedera Temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture is famous for its Jizo statues that can be found throughout its grounds and shrine. These Jizo statues, also referred to as Sentai Kosodate Jizoson or “a thousand child-nurturing Jizoson”, number around 1,300 in long rows along its walkways – creating what is dubbed as “Sentai Kosodate Jizoson”, or the thousand child-nurturing Jizoson”. Visitors can purify themselves by pouring water over these statues while repeating their mantra three times while touching their heads as they touch these statues’ heads on them.