Strolling around Back Bay Fens, visitors will come across numerous sculptures scattered throughout the park. But one in particular stands out: an old Japanese temple bell with a fascinating story of how it ended up there.
The bell was originally cast in 1675 by Tanaka Gonzaemon under the supervision of Suzuki Magoemon and dedicated to Bishamon, a Buddhist god of children and good luck. It was installed in the Manpukuji Temple in Japan’s Sendai region.
During World War II, the bell was taken to be melted down for ammunition. Thankfully, it never came to that, and in 1945, sailors from the USS Boston discovered it at a scrap heap in Yokosuka. They brought it back to the city of Boston to be given as a souvenir.
In 1953, instead of requesting its return, the Japanese government officially presented the bell to the city of Boston as a symbol of peace and friendship between the two countries.Â
It was first installed in Boston Common before being relocated to the Fens, where it underwent restoration in 1992.
It’s a unique piece, one you don’t see every day and well worth a look.
