Jizo is perhaps the most popular Bodhisattva of Japan.  He is a friend to all and is never frightening, even to children. His many manifestations -- often cute and cartoon like in modern Japan -- incorporate attributes from Buddhism and Shinto beliefs.  Jizo statues can be found everywhere in Japan, especially in graveyards. He is popularly known as the guardian of unborn, aborted, miscarried, and stillborn babies (Mizuko Jizo).

Jizo is the only Bodhisattva portrayed as a monk with a shaven head and no royal attire.  He is nearly always dressed in the simple robe of a monk and a halo often surrounds his head.  Jizo is often adorned with Bodhisattva ornaments such as a flaming pearl, a six-ringed staff, a diamond banner, or an arrow as tall as he.

The jewel signifies his bestowal of blessings on all who suffer, and grants wishes, pacifies desires, and brings clear understanding of the Dharma (Buddhist law). When he shakes the staff, he awakens us from our delusions, to help us break free of the six states of rebirth, and achieve enlightenment.

Jizo is often translated as "Womb of the Earth," for JI means earth, while ZO means womb. But "ZO" can also be translated with equal correctness as "store house" or "repository of treasure" -- thus Jizo is also translated as "earth store" or "earth treasury."