The label on the statue reads "statue of a mother."  It can be used to examine the relationship between politics and art, and also to understand the importance of context in understanding the meaning of art. 

The statues is located directly in front of the Yushukan, the controversial museum at Yasukuni Shrine (the shrine where the souls of Japanese war dead are interred) that presents a version of Japanese imperial history widely disputed by many historians both in Japan and elsewhere.  What might be the implications of placing this statue in front of a museum focused very much on Japanese warfare?  What is the image of Japan that is being projected? 

Nearby this statue is a statue dedicated to "kamikaze" pilots. Does the proximity of these statues alter the impression made on the viewer?

For a related lesson contextualizing the history of Yasukuni Shrine, please see Japan in the World since 1945.