All About Japan

This is One Roach You Can't Kill

Art Nara

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/11/02/when-in-nara-be-sure-to-stop-by-the-cockroach-memorial-statue/

Sono & Sons is a building maintenance company which also specializes in pest control. Their SEARCH (We Safeguard our Environment with Alpha Roach Control Helper) system promises to leave any roach intruding on the sanctity of your home dead as Dillinger.

Despite their cold efficiency as slaughtering cockroaches, Sono & Sons also owe them a debt of gratitude. After all, roaches played a large role in building the company. So out of respect, they commissioned a memorial statue for all the cockroaches who have succumbed to their poisons and filled the company’s bank account as a result.

Gokiburi Tenzo statue was created by Hiro Amano about 15 years ago and has a very H.R. Giger-like vibe to it complete with four steel and concrete human-like arms and two legs.

If you want to see Gokiburi Tenzo in person, it stands in Rinsen Temple on the bank of the Kitayama River in Shirakawa, Nara. It’s a tranquil location nestled deep in the mountains where the spirits of countless roaches rest.

Read full story: en.rocketnews24.com