Overview
- Prince Fumihito, Princess Kiko, Princess Kako, and Prince Hisahito toured the Itabashi Municipal Museum on Dec. 26 and viewed the “Postwar 80 Years: War and Children” exhibition for about an hour.
- The exhibition presents roughly 120 works created from 1937 to 1949, including depictions of children and pieces made by children during the wartime years.
- The family examined noted pieces such as Yoshihara Jiro’s “Air-raid Drill” and Aoyagi Kihei’s “Heavenly Gods,” studying details at close range.
- In remarks to museum staff, Prince Hisahito said paintings carry more intention than photographs, while Princess Kako said the visit prompted reflection on children’s experiences in war.
- Prince Fumihito asked curators how portrayals of children shifted over time, and Hisahito closely read a label noting one work depicts a deceased younger son.