MIYAZATO Matsue / Matsui
Born: 12 August 1881 – Died: 26 June 1942
Particulars:
Matsue / Matsui was born in Okinawa Prefecture. He was a single man with a sister in Okinawa, working as a ‘druggist’ in Kanaky / New Caledonia when the Pacific War broke out. He was taken to Australia and interned at Loveday Internment Camp in South Australia. He died at the camp compound from a self-inflicted wound at age 60. His grave is in the Japanese Cemetery in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia.
–Mayu Kanamori
More info:
Hiromi Ashlin with Akabanaa Cairns Eisaa Group
Artist/s Statement:
As part of the Civilian Internment Art Project in 2014, yellow cranes were folded by local students in Cowra, hosted by Hiromi Ashlin, artist and member of Cairns Eisaa group. They were placed on graves of civilian internees from World War II at Cowra Japanese Cemetery, a wish for peace and prayer. Ten years later we had an opportunity to use those same yellow cranes for this artwork.
As members of the Akabanaa Cairns Eisaa group, we felt a strong connection with Mr Miyazato. We wanted to send happiness and safety to Miyazato’s soul. Miyazato died from suicide. In many religions, suicide is not to be rewarded, but we felt deep courage in his decision under these circumstances. We believe that his soul and the souls of the internees who were in that environment have been set free. If there are any lost souls, we hope that this work will serve as a guidepost to help them return to their homeland of Okinawa. This work is filled with such feelings. The yellow origami cranes represent happiness and safety, the hibiscus represents the path to safety, and the flow of wind and water, and the bird of paradise flower represents a bird that will guide them. Akabanaa Cairns Eisaa group is an all female group. We worked together to create this artwork. Afterwards, we held a moment of silence and poured positive energy into it as Japanese people living in Australia.
Artist Bio:
Hiromi Ashlin is an artist originally from Yokohama, Japan. She became interested in the Okinawan culture and their people. As she is a member of Akabanaa Cairns Eisaa group in Cairns, Australia, she decided to collaborate with group members to create this piece.