Statue of War Widow with Children, Tokyo

The Statue of War Widow with Children, completed in 1974, is a tribute to the women who faced the daunting task of raising their children on their own after their husbands lost their lives in war. This sculpture was gifted to the Yasukuni Shrine by the offspring of these mothers as a token of their gratitude.

The statue represents a mother who, having endured the loss of her husband in wartime, courageously persists in caring for her three children. It was crafted by members of the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association who were of younger and middle age, expressing their deep appreciation for the exceptional strength and dedication displayed by their mothers during the challenging post-war era.

The inscription on the statue conveys thanks to the sculptor's own mother for her resilience, discipline, and compassion, while also expressing a hope that such sorrow will never be experienced again. This remarkable work of art is attributed to the artist Miyamoto Takashi.