Small mizu-ko statuettes are ubiquitous in Japanese temples. Literally "water child" the graves are those of stillborn, miscarried or aborted children.


The statues of mizuko Jizo are often clad in red bibs and hats. mizuko kuyo (水子供養) is the memorial service held annually for the child when offerings are made to Jizo, a boddhisattva who protects children. Abortion in Japan has been legal since the Eugenic Protection Law of 1948.



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