Strolling round Again Bay Fens, guests will come throughout quite a few sculptures scattered all through the park. However one specifically stands out: an previous Japanese temple bell with an enchanting story of the way it ended up there.
The bell was initially solid in 1675 by Tanaka Gonzaemon beneath the supervision of Suzuki Magoemon and devoted to Bishamon, a Buddhist god of kids and good luck. It was put in within the Manpukuji Temple in Japan's Sendai area.
Throughout World Conflict II, the bell was taken to be melted down for ammunition. Fortunately, it by no means got here to that, and in 1945, sailors from the USS Boston found it at a scrap heap in Yokosuka. They introduced it again to town of Boston to be given as a memento.
In 1953, as a substitute of requesting its return, the Japanese authorities formally introduced the bell to town of Boston as a logo of peace and friendship between the 2 international locations.
It was first put in in Boston Widespread earlier than being relocated to the Fens, the place it underwent restoration in 1992.
It's a singular piece, one you don't see day-after-day and properly value a glance.
