Jizō bosatsu

Japanese form of the Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha. His legendary vow to travel into the underworld to rescue beings in torment made him an immensely popular figure in east Asia, where he became known as the chief of the ten kings who judge the dead and as the patron of longevity. Scriptures promoting his cult were composed in Japan and ceremonies directed to him carried out from an early date. Offerings are traditionally made to him on the 24th of each month. He is also regarded in Japan as the patron of travellers, and of infants who die before birth. See also Ti-tsang; abortion.

A Dictionary of Buddhism, Oxford University Press, 2003, 2004 (which is available in electronic version from answer.com)