Two Owls – “Anyo Anyo” Iwao Akiyama

One of Iwao Akiyama’s most recognised images is the owl. The Japanese script is based on a haiku poem similar to the haiku “Anyo Anyo Anyo Ya Haha wo Chikaramochi” by Toson Shimaoka.

The print depicts the emotions of a child who has lost their mother. Iwao Akiyama lost his mother during childhood, and the print may well recalling this loss.However, there are also fond memories within the image, as the title “Haha wa Higasa Mochi” means “the mother holding a parasol”. It is suggested that this refers to the child’s sentiment, remembering the kindness and thoughtfulness of their mother, who used to hold a parasol during her lifetime (“Haha” used in Japanese only when referring to ones own mother).