The Zojogi Temple in Tokyo, Japan, contains a garden in memory of unborn children, whether aborted, miscarried or stillborn. The memorial is both unique and touching. Grieving parents are given a small statuette that they dress and decorate. There are more than 20,000 lined up in the Garden.

In addition to the statues, families can celebrate a memorial ceremony called “mizuko kuyo”. This is designed to ensure safe and rapid passage to its ancestors.

Wooden plaques lining the walls contain messages from parents to the unborn. One of the most poignant reads:

“You are our baby, I will never forget you. From the bottom of my heart, I ask forgiveness forever and ever.”

Source: reported in Catherine Hammond, Stories to Hold An Audience and wikipedia