It is believed that far in the future (i.e., 5.6 billion years following the death of Shakyamnui Buddha), Miroku Bodhisattva (Bosatsu) will become a Buddha (Nyorai), appearing in this world to save everyone who cannot achieve enlightenment. It is believed that this results in a universal salvation for all sentient beings. Even today, many Buddhists await the return of Miroku based on this belief.
In Japan, Miroku is typically depicted in a seated position. The deity's right-hand finger touches the cheek and the right ankle rests on top of the left leg. This position is called Hanka (半跏). While Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) is typically depicted as having ornaments, because Miroku is believed to return as a Buddha (Nyorai) in the future, it does not wear ornaments when depicted in statuary form.