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Buddhist Pantheon
Buddhism in Japan is ornated with many statues. These statues are usually figures of different Buddhist archetypes. These can be seen in many forms, from grotesque, terrifying to peaceful and joyful. These images are typically divided into four (4) types. The first type is Buddhas, or Nyorai. Nyorai, or Tathagata as translated to Sanskrit, represent Buddha or as "the enlightened one." Each Nyorai is a separate Buddha with its own identity. Ashuku (Asksobhya) Hosho (Ratnasambhava) Fukujoju (Amoghasiddhi) Dainichi (Vairocana) Shaka (Shakyamuni) Yakushi (Bhaisajyaguru)

The second type is Bodhisattvas, or Bosatsu. Bosatsu are those figures that have found enlightenment but are postponing their entry into nirvana in order to help others find salvation. These figures are quite numerous, in fact so numerous that it would be impossible to list them all. The most famous for most would be Kanzeon (or Kannon). Sho Kanzeon (Avalokitesvara) Juichimen Kanzeon (Ekadasamhukha Avalokitesvara) Fukukenjaku Kanzeon (Amoghapasa) Senju Kanzeon (Sahasrabhujarya Avalokitesvara) Nyoirin Kanzeon (Cintamani) Bato Kanzeon (Hayagriva) Juntei Kanzeon (Cundi) Nikko (Suryaaprabha - Bodhisattva of Sunlight) Gakko (Candraprabha - Bodhisattva of Moonlight) Miroku (Maitreya) Monju (Manjusri) Fugen (Samanabhadra) Fugen Enmei

Kokuzo (Akasagarbha) Jizo (Ksitigarbha) Daiseishi (Mahasthamaprapta)

The third type is Myo-o. Myo-o, are the fierce representations of the "Kings of Light". They stand to assist the Buddhas and with their enormous strength, seeking both to vanquish evil and to help human beings resist temptation. Fudo (who is critical to the Tendai pantheon) also known as Acalanatha Gozanze (Trailokyavijaya) Gundari (Kundali) Daitoku (Yamantaka) Kongoyasha (Vajrayaksa) Aizen (Ragaraja)

The fourth type is Ten. Ten, are Heavenly Guardians or deva (heavenly kings) originated in the native Brahmanism of India. In Buddhism, they often represent the defenders of the faith. When visiting large temples you will see these figures in the pillars of the gate. Those are the kongo rikishi, or benevolent kings (ni-o). The one on the right with his mouth open; the other on the left, closed. They are protects of the temple. Bishamon (Vaisravana) Daikoku (Mahakala) Benzai (Sarasvati)

There is a web page that lists some of these in the Shingon faith (http://www.shingon.org/)