Nio Guardians

Nio is a pair of Kongo Rikishi statues that stand at the Niomon gate of the Buddhist temple. They have a role of protecting the temple against what comes in from the outside. They eliminate bad things come in from the outside with anger and physical strength.
The one who opens his mouth and shows his anger is "Agyo" and the one who closes his mouth and hides his anger inside is "Ungyo". Agyo says "a" and Ungyo says "un". "A" is a Sanskrit word represents the first sound you make when you open your mouth, and "un" also a Sankrit word represents the last sound you make when you close your mouth, which signify the beginning and end of all things.
Nio is very impressive and seems to be on the move! The one stands at Todaiji temple is the most famous Nio in Japan.