In 1982, a Japanese businessman unveiled one of the tallest statues in the world called the World Peace Giant Kannon in Awaji Island, Japan.

At 100 metres tall, the statue was visible from all across the island.

Despite healthy visitor numbers when it first opened, the statue fell into disrepair and locals believed it was haunted.

Emily Finch speaks to local resident Yusuke Natsukawa about the impact of the statue on the island, and Goro Otsubo who visited the statue in 2002.

A Whistledown production for the BBC World Service.

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(Picture: Awaji Kannon. Credit: Shutterstock)

Awaji Kannon: One of the world's tallest statues

Witness History