碑

inscribed stone monument; tombstone

Kanji 1731

Japan abounds in stone monuments of all types. They commemorate individual lives, wars, peace, loyal service, and "aha!" moments that came to poets. By considering the spectrum of stone markers in Japan, we can understand what people have cared about and have sought to preserve. Don't miss this photo-rich essay, which looks at Japan from a very different angle.

Revision history:

June 24, 2021: p. 1: Deleted a stray punctuation mark.

Jan. 15, 2020: 

• p. 2: Etymology Box: Replaced the old Henshall etymology with the new one.
• p. 17: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

July 20, 2012: Originally published.