The reason this statue’s belly is so shiny is that visitors regularly rub it for good luck.

A smiling Buddha statue along the ascent to the main hall of Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka, Japan. © 2018 Norbert Woehnl Photography.

Shot with Mamiya 6 and 50mm f/4 lens on Fujicolor Pro 400H medium-format film.
Developed and scanned by MeinFilmLab.

写真の撮影場所：福岡県・篠栗町・南蔵院

The alternate photo in the post below shows the same statue from a greater distance:

Approaching Nanzoin Temple, Sasaguri, Japan

Approaching Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka, Japan, on a nice summer day.

Approaching Nanzoin Temple, Sasaguri, Japan
Norbert Woehnl 📷
August 14, 2021