900 million yen. in taxpayer money used to demolish huge Kannon statue

The World Peace Giant Kannon is covered with scaffolding in Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture, on Jan. 13. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

AWAJI, Hyogo -- Work to demolish a giant statue of the Kannon, or goddess of mercy, is underway in Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture. About 100 meters high, the statue is owned by the central government, so taxpayers are footing the nearly 900 million yen bill for its demolition.

Why does the government own this statue? Looking into the background of this matter has shed light on how local governments are struggling to dispose of aging large facilities once owned by private entities.