Reservations
About Mizuko Kuyo
Learn about the meaning of Mizuko Kuyo, the prayers offered at Myousenzi Temple, and the history of our Mizuko Jibo Kannon and temple.
What Is Mizuko Kuyo?
Mizuko Kuyo is a Buddhist memorial service for a small life that was unable to be born into this world. The child is entrusted to the compassion of Mizuko Jibo Kannon, and heartfelt prayers are offered for their peace. At Myousenzi Temple, we believe it is a meaningful way to express your love for your child and to help bring a sense of calm to your family’s heart.
Each person’s circumstances and feelings surrounding miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion are different. If you are carrying grief or regret, please do not continue to blame yourself. We deeply respect your wish to remember your child and offer a prayer.
Some people worry that a mizuko may bring a curse. At Myousenzi Temple, however, we do not believe that a child would curse their family. Mizuko Kuyo is not performed out of fear or obligation, but as a way to send your child love and prayers—to say, “I remember you” and “Thank you.”
There is no time that is too early or too late to hold a memorial service. Even if many years have passed, mothers, fathers, couples, family members, and individuals are all warmly welcome to visit.
At Myousenzi Temple, we offer heartfelt sutra chanting before Mizuko Jibo Kannon and pray for the child’s peace and spiritual repose. We also remain close to the feelings each family has carried, helping them gradually find a calmer and more peaceful heart.
Moving Forward with Hope
Offering sincere prayers and wishing for the peaceful repose of a child who was unable to be born is an important expression of a parent’s love.
Please join your hands in prayer before Mizuko Jibo Kannon at Myousenzi Temple. Offer your heartfelt reflection and gratitude for the protection and support you receive in your life today.
We hope this time of prayer will help bring even a little peace and comfort to your heart.
Mizuko Kuyo at Myousenzi Is by Appointment Only
All Mizuko Kuyo services at Myousenzi Temple are conducted by appointment, ensuring your privacy. The head priest personally performs each memorial service with sincere care.
Older Visitors Are Warmly Welcome
We often receive telephone and email inquiries from people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Some tell us that they experienced a miscarriage in their twenties but never held a memorial service. Others say that they ended a pregnancy when they were younger because of difficult circumstances and would now like to pray for their child.
It is never too late. You are warmly welcome to visit and pray for your child’s peace before Mizuko Jibo Kannon.
About Myousenzi Temple’s Mizuko Jibo Kannon
The sacred statue of Mizuko Jibo Kannon enshrined in our main hall was commissioned in 1981 by Fusako Uchida, a follower of the 15th head priest, the Venerable Nichiyu. It was created and consecrated through the devoted efforts of temple families and supporters. Today, many parishioners and visitors come to pray before the statue for Mizuko Kuyo.
About Hongakusan Myousenzi Temple
Hongakusan Myousenzi is a Nichiren Buddhist temple founded in 1632, with a history spanning 384 years.
At the time, this area was newly reclaimed land, and its settlers sought a spiritual home. Under the direction of Masayasu Togawa, lord of the Niwase Domain, Shiroemon Yoshida, head of the Yoshida family, established the temple. His second son, the Venerable Nichikan of Honkakuin, entered the temple as its first head priest.
Because devotion to the Hokke tradition was already strong in Bizen, every household in Koshinden became a supporting family of Myousenzi. The temple and its community remain united by that enduring faith today.