Shakyamuni Nyorai is not a fictional deity but the deified form of Gautama Siddhartha, who lived in the 5th century BCE. The earth-touching and meditation mudras are the basic identifiers, and there are statue types corresponding to milestones of his life from birth statue to Parinirvana image. A pilgrimage guide to encounter his traces at ancient temples including Horyuji's Shakyamuni Triad, Muroji, and Kenchoji.

Maitreya is the Buddha of the Future, prophesied to appear 5.67 billion years after the passing of Shakyamuni. Currently residing in Tushita Heaven, his image in the pensive half-lotus pose is enshrined in temples across Japan. This guide explores Miroku faith through the National Treasure statues at Koryuji and Toshodaiji.

Samantabhadra (Fugen Bosatsu) is the bodhisattva of practice and the guardian of the Lotus Sutra, depicted riding a white elephant with six tusks. Paired with Manjushri beside Shakyamuni Buddha, he is revered for blessings of longevity, safe childbirth, and protection of women.