Moyai Statue: A Symbol of Unity in Shibuya

The Moyai Statue, located near the South Ticket Gate of Shibuya Station, is more than just a landmark; it's a symbol of friendship and cooperation. This unique stone sculpture, with different faces carved on the front and back, stands as a popular rendezvous point in the bustling Shibuya district.Donated by the village of Niijima, part of the Izu Islands, the Moyai statue embodies the spirit of 'moyai,' a Niijima word meaning 'helping each other' or 'working together as one'. Inspired by the Moai statues of Easter Island, the Moyai statues were created to promote awareness of Niijima. The statue was gifted to Shibuya to commemorate the centennial of the transfer of the island's administration from Shizuoka to Tokyo, signifying the power of unity, cooperation, and kindness.Many Moyai statues are made from kōgaseki, a special type of pumice mined only in Niijima and on the Italian island of Lipari. According to Hajime Umatsu, the original sculptor's grandson, the two faces are a pun on Niijima's name: the wavy-haired face represents the "nii-chan" (endearing term-of-address to an older brother) of a surfer, and the other, bearded face represents an "injii" (o-jii-san, old man) who lived in a former penal colony. They are meant to represent people who were exiled to Niijima.