The Statue of "Father" in Tokushima Central Park

In Tokushima Central Park stands a bronze statue simply titled "Father."
At first glance, it appears to depict a single soldier standing quietly in reflection.
But the statue represents something much greater.

It was erected in 1973 by the Tokushima Prefectural War Bereaved Families Association as a memorial to those who lost their lives in war and as a prayer for lasting peace.
Behind the statue is a stone relief showing an elderly couple working in the fields and a young mother holding her baby.

Together, they remind visitors that the cost of war is not borne only by those who fight, but also by the families who wait, grieve, and continue living afterward.
Unlike monuments that celebrate victory, the Statue of "Father" invites quiet reflection.

Its message is not about military achievement.
It is about remembrance.
It is about sacrifice.

And above all, it is about the hope that future generations will never have to experience the tragedy of war again.
For visitors from overseas, this monument offers another perspective on Japan.
Rather than glorifying conflict, it encourages people to pause, remember those who were lost, and reflect on the value of peace.
Standing silently in the park, the statue continues to ask every visitor the same timeless question:

How can we ensure that history never repeats itself?

BRONZE MUSEUM JAPAN

photo : Supervisor K