Wani monument

Here stands a monument honoring Doctor Wani, a scholar said to have come from Korea to introduce Confucianism in Japan. Whether that’s the truth or not, it’s up to you to decide because this story is only one version of history, and to this day, no one can confirm whether Doctor Wani existed or not. From the little information we have, it is said that Wani was sent from Korea with a mission: to bring the Chinese writing style to Japan. Yet, no trace of him appears in Korean or Chinese historical records—only in Japanese texts. And even those differ: some claim he arrived in the 3rd century, others say the 4th or 5th. We may never know the truth, but one thing is sure: the Japanese firmly believe in this legend, the one where Doctor Wani taught them to write and read, therefore shaping their identity and culture. So, in 1940, two monuments were built here in Ueno Park, to honour a man who may —or may not— have walked this earth!