Standing on the northern bank of the Kinokawa River in Katsuragi Town, Wakayama Prefecture, the Peace Memorial Statue is a monumental symbol dedicated to honoring those who lost their lives in wars around the world and praying for lasting peace.
Rising approximately 18 meters high, the imposing statue is taller than the Great Buddha of Nara. Its impressive presence has made it a familiar landmark and symbol of Katsuragi Town.
The statue was designed by Ryūmon Yasuda, a sculptor from Wakayama Prefecture with connections to Kinokawa City. Construction began in 1959 and was supported by donations from many people who shared the wish to create a lasting monument to peace.
After many years of work, the monument was completed. It has also undergone major renovation work over the years and continues to be carefully preserved as a place where the hope for peace can be passed on to future generations.
One of the most distinctive features of the Peace Memorial Statue is that small stones collected from countries around the world were placed within the foundation and inside the statue.
With the cooperation of then-Foreign Minister Aiichirō Fujiyama, stones were donated through Japanese diplomatic missions from 45 countries, including Japan.
Each stone represents a different country and carries its own history and significance. Together, they form a powerful symbol of people from different nations coming together in the hope of peace.
For international visitors, this aspect of the monument is particularly meaningful. Although the statue stands in a quiet corner of Wakayama, the stones within it represent a message that extends beyond national borders.
Every year on August 24, the area hosts the Peace Festival together with a memorial service for victims of wars around the world.
The ceremony is held to honor those who lost their lives in war and to express a wish for permanent world peace. Local residents and visitors gather for the solemn occasion.
With the peaceful flow of the Kinokawa River in the background, the memorial service takes on a quiet and dignified atmosphere. It provides an important opportunity to reflect on the suffering caused by war and the importance of passing the value of peace on to future generations.
To the east of the Peace Memorial Statue stands the Peace Memorial Hall, completed in 1988. Together with the statue, the hall serves as a place for remembering the past and encouraging reflection on the importance of peace.
Visitors can take time to consider the history of war and the significance of peace while exploring the memorial area. Rather than being simply a sightseeing landmark, the site offers an opportunity for quiet reflection.
The Peace Memorial Statue stands within Katsuragi Park, a municipal park that is popular as a place for recreation and relaxation.
The park includes a variety of sports facilities, including tennis courts, a gymnasium, and a swimming pool. It is also used for sports competitions, community events, and other activities involving people from both inside and outside Katsuragi Town.
The swimming pool opens during the summer season and is especially popular with local children and families. The spacious park grounds also provide pleasant areas for walking and light exercise.
Visitors who simply want to slow down and enjoy the scenery can take a leisurely stroll through the park while feeling the changing seasons along the Kinokawa River.
In spring, the area around Katsuragi Park becomes a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. Trees along the Kinokawa River burst into bloom, creating a beautiful seasonal landscape.
During the cherry blossom season, nighttime illumination is also held, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery after sunset.
The illuminated cherry blossoms against the night sky, together with the Peace Memorial Statue lit up nearby, create an especially atmospheric view. The combination of flowers, river scenery, and the imposing monument offers a memorable setting for an evening walk.
Although the cherry blossoms are one of the highlights of the year, Katsuragi Park can be enjoyed in every season. Its open grounds and riverside environment provide a pleasant place to take a break while exploring Katsuragi Town.
For travelers interested in experiencing everyday local life in Wakayama, the park offers a chance to see how a community space can bring together history, remembrance, nature, sports, and seasonal traditions.
The Peace Memorial Statue and Katsuragi Park are conveniently located approximately five minutes on foot from Myōji Station on the JR Wakayama Line.
Because the site is close to the railway station, it is easy to include in a sightseeing itinerary around Katsuragi Town. Visitors can stop by the memorial site, explore the park, and enjoy the Kinokawa River scenery without requiring a long journey from the station.
The Peace Memorial Statue in Katsuragi is an impressive landmark, but its greatest significance lies in the message it carries.
The 18-meter-high statue honors people who lost their lives in war, while the stones brought from 45 countries represent a shared hope that such tragedies will not be repeated. The annual Peace Festival continues this tradition of remembrance and prayer.
At the same time, the surrounding Katsuragi Park offers a peaceful natural setting where visitors can enjoy sports, walking, and beautiful seasonal scenery. In spring, the cherry blossoms along the Kinokawa River add another dimension to the landscape.
For travelers exploring Wakayama, a visit to this site offers more than an opportunity to see a monumental statue. It is a chance to experience a place where history, international friendship, nature, and the hope for world peace come together.
Standing quietly beside the Kinokawa River, the Peace Memorial Statue continues to remind visitors of the importance of remembering the past while looking toward a more peaceful future.