Japan, Tokyo, Shiba - Unborn Children Garden, Jizo Statues At The Cemetery Close To Zojoji Temple Editorial Image

Zojoji Temple in Tokyo is a Buddhist temple. In one particular garden at the cemetery, rows of stone statues of children represent unborn children, including miscarried, aborted, and stillborn children. Parents can choose a statue in the garden and decorate it with small clothing and toys. Usually the statues are accompanied by a small gift for Jizo, the guardian of unborn children, to ensure that they are brought to the afterlife. Occasionally stones are piled by the statue this is meant to ease the journey to the afterlife.