Behold the majestic Kusunoki Masashige statue. This bronze giant stands proudly near Nijubashi Bridge. He is a symbol of unwavering loyalty and military prowess.
This isn’t just any statue. It’s a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and historical dedication. The project commemorated the Besshi Copper Mine’s 200th anniversary. The Tokyo Fine Arts School undertook this ambitious undertaking. Copper from the very mine itself formed the statue. The head was sculpted by Takamura Koun. Yamada Kisai and Ishikawa Komei shaped the body and armor. Goto Sadayuki masterfully created the horse.
Creating this monument wasn’t easy. Over twenty portraits of Kusunoki Masashige existed. Yet they all varied in physique. There was no single definitive image to follow. The artists focused on capturing the expression of a brilliant strategist. Kawasaki Chitora meticulously researched the armor. He studied temples shrines and relics linked to Kusunoki Masashige. His design incorporated these historical details. Goto Teiko went to extreme lengths for the horse. He even dissected a horse’s corpse provided by the War Horse Bureau. He traveled to Tohoku photographing horses extensively. He painstakingly created models before finally casting the bronze.
A wooden prototype took three years to complete. The final bronze statue required ten more years of dedicated work. The section-by-section casting of this massive bronze work was unprecedented in Japan. Assistant Professor Sessei Okazaki a renowned caster and chaser innovated to overcome the technical challenges of casting such a large and detailed piece.
The Kusunoki Masashige statue is more than just bronze. It’s a story of dedication skill and a profound respect for history. It represents years of unwavering effort. It’s a symbol of Japan’s rich artistic heritage. Take a moment to appreciate the artistry the detail and the passion poured into this incredible work. Let the statue’s power and sophistication leave a lasting impression on you.