This bronze statue of Amita Buddha was cast in 1252 AD by the sculptors Ono-Goromon, and Tanji-Hisatomo. The statue has survived a tidal wave that destroyed its temple in 1498, and has been exposed to the elements ever since. Its sculptural proportions are distorted so it appears normal to a viewer looking up at it. It is thought this technique (Greek influence) was introduced to Japan via the Silk Road commerce trade route. The town of Kamakura (2 hours south of Tokyo) was once the capital of Japan, from 1185-1333. There are 65 Buddhist temples and 19 Shinto shrines in and around the city. The statue is 44 feet tall (13.35m) and weighs 121 tons.