“What’s that?” I overheard a passerby ask. The monument before us is the \u6797\u5e02\u8535\u5148\u751f\u8096\u50cf Memorial in Osaka. It is more than just a statue. This monument immortalizes a man’s compassion and the origin of a vital social system.
\u6797\u5e02\u8535, born in Kumamoto Prefecture in 1867, was a government official during the Meiji and Taisho eras. He served as the governor of Mie and Yamaguchi Prefectures. Later, he became the governor of Osaka Prefecture in 1917.
In 1918, Japan faced widespread social unrest due to soaring commodity prices and the Rice Riots. \u6797\u5e02\u8535 witnessed the struggles of the impoverished firsthand. One day, he saw a mother and child selling newspapers to survive. The sight deeply affected him.
Determined to alleviate the suffering, \u6797\u5e02\u8535 initiated the “Homen Iin” system in Osaka Prefecture. This system aimed to support those struggling with poverty. This was the beginning of what we know today as the “Minsei Iin” system or the Civil Welfare Commissioner system. \u6797\u5e02\u8535 is often called the father of civil welfare commissioners.
Civil Welfare Commissioners are volunteers. They provide consultation, support, and assistance to those in need without compensation. They help people lead stable lives.
The \u6797\u5e02\u8535\u5148\u751f\u8096\u50cf Memorial captures a significant moment. It depicts \u6797\u5e02\u8535 seated in a barber’s chair. He is observing a mother and child selling newspapers outside. This scene represents the catalyst for his groundbreaking initiative. The statue, erected in the autumn of 1953, stands as a tribute to his dedication.
A stone pillar next to the statue bears an inscription. It reads: “Homen Iin, Minsei Iin, Founder, \u6797\u5e02\u8535\u5148\u751f Statue.” Another stone monument commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Civil Welfare Commissioner system’s creation. It was established in May 2018.
\u6797\u5e02\u8535 passed away on February 21, 1952, at the age of 84. His legacy lives on through the Civil Welfare Commissioner system he pioneered. As you stand before this memorial, remember \u6793\u5e02\u8535’s compassion. His vision continues to shape social welfare in Japan.