About
In the heart of Tokushima Prefecture, where the Iya River carves a deep, emerald path through the mountains, there stands a figure both whimsical and daring. Perched atop a sheer cliff, 200 meters above the valley floor, a bronze statue of a small boy stands, unabashedly relieving himself into the abyss below. This is the "Peeing Boy" of Iya Valley, a testament to the audacity and spirit of those who once traversed these treacherous paths.
The Iya Valley, with its steep, V-shaped gorges and lush, verdant slopes, has long been a place of seclusion and mystery. Its remoteness provided refuge for the defeated Taira clan in the 12th century, who, according to legend, sought solace in these hidden recesses after their loss in the Genpei War. The valley's rugged terrain and dense forests offered both sanctuary and challenge, shaping a culture of resilience and ingenuity among its inhabitants.
The "Peeing Boy" statue, created in 1968 by local sculptor Yoshiyuki Kōsaki, commemorates a local tradition of testing one's courage. It is said that in times past, children and travelers would venture onto the protruding rocks of the cliff to urinate into the chasm, proving their bravery against the dizzying heights. Today, the statue stands as a playful yet poignant reminder of this rite of passage, inviting visitors to reflect on the daring spirit that defines the region.
Surrounding the statue, the landscape unfolds in a tapestry of natural splendor. The Iya River, a ribbon of jade, winds through the valley, its waters reflecting the ever-changing hues of the seasons. In autumn, the mountains are ablaze with fiery reds and oranges, as the dense foliage transforms, creating a breathtaking contrast against the clear blue sky. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and the distant murmur of the river below.
The valley is also home to the famed vine bridges, or "kazurabashi," ingeniously woven from mountain vines. These bridges, swaying gently with each step, connect the steep slopes and serve as a testament to the resourcefulness of the valley's early settlers. Crossing them is both an exhilarating and humbling experience, as one contemplates the lives of those who once depended on these fragile lifelines.
As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the valley, the "Peeing Boy" stands silhouetted against the twilight sky. He embodies the essence of Iya Valley—a place where nature's grandeur meets human tenacity, where history and legend intertwine, and where the spirit of adventure beckons to all who dare to explore its depths.