Stone

Kan’ei-ji Temple, also known as Tōeizan Kan’ei-ji Endon-in (東叡山寛永寺円頓院), is a Tendai Buddhist temple in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1625 during the Kan’ei era (1624–1644) by the Buddhist monk Tenkai, it offers deep insights into Japan’s rich culture and history.

One unique feature of Kan’ei-ji Temple is a monument dedicated to insects that died for the advancement of science. This monument was erected in 1821 by aristocrat Sessai Matsuyama to honor the spirits of crickets, flies, and grasshoppers killed during the creation of an anatomical study of insects (Chuchi-jo). This study became famous for its realistic depictions, but Matsuyama, feeling guilt or perhaps wanting to honor the insects' contribution, had the monument built. Today, the stone monument is designated as a historical monument by the Tokyo City government.

The tradition of honoring animals sacrificed for scientific progress is not unique to Kan’ei-ji Temple. This practice has evolved over time, with modern institutions, such as universities, corporations, and research laboratories, holding memorial services for laboratory animals to express gratitude and respect for their contributions. Companies like Kincho have also embraced this custom, reflecting a broader cultural ethos of reverence for all living beings.