This summer, a new Nisei memorial in Tendola will use art as a way to remember the Japanese-American soldiers of the 100th/442nd in Italy.
The memory of the Nisei soldiers still lives on in the communities they helped liberate. Tendola is one of those villages where remembrance is actively nurtured. At the same time, it also has a strong tradition in using art to adorn the town.
Remembering the Nisei in Tendola
The story of the Nisei in Tendola goes back to the final days of World War II in Italy. In April 1945, the soldiers of the 100th/442nd liberated this and the surrounding towns from Nazi occupation.
For decades, local memories of the fierce fighting stayed in the townsfolk’s minds. Eventually however, an emotional visit by Lt. Kubota led to one of the most meaningful acts of remembrance in the region. The creation of the Nisei memorial park at La Pretta in Tendola established a permanent space to remember the Nisei soldiers who fought and died here. Two monuments honour these men, on the site where Tadao “Beanie” Hayashi lost his life through sniper fire from the campanile in town.
The driving force behind the preservation of Tendola’s wartime history is Mario Mariani, a passionate local historian and advocate for remembrance. Many guests on our Nisei Legacy Tours have met him personally, listened to his stories, and witnessed firsthand his dedication to the legacy of the Nisei liberators.
A Chance Encounter Leads to a New Memorial
The newest addition to the memorial park came about through an unexpected encounter.
Yoshin Ogata, a Japanese sculptor, was unaware of the Nisei presence in the region during WW2. This was despite of living in nearby Lerici for many years.
At a local art festival, Ogata happened to meet Mario Mariani and Rosanna Rotondi. Their conversation turned to the Nisei memorial park in Tendola. Curious to learn more, Ogata accepted an invitation to visit the village and La Pretta.
Photos courtesy of Mario Mariani/Rosanna Rotondi
Profoundly moved by the visit, Ogata decided to donate one of his sculptures to the town for permanent installation at the memorial park.
The artist has chosen to rename the work Goccia del Sole (“Drop of the Sun”), reflecting the meaning he now associates with the place and the soldiers it commemorates.
Photos courtesy of Mario Mariani
As Ogata explains:
“The tears shed in bitter battles, the sacrifices, the commitment, and the many lives lost… By sublimating all this in the form of a ‘drop,’ we do not abandon the pain, but gently preserve it as a memory of the earth. From it then spring forth the gifts of nature and the reawakening of life.”
He continues:
“I sincerely hope that Tendola – as a place where ‘rest,’ ‘prayer,’ and ‘hope’ intersect – can continue to be passed down forever: a place where this splendid cycle is transformed into a warm light that honours the courage of the Nisei soldiers and, at the same time, celebrates a future of peace.”
Ogata’s work often reflects themes of nature, memory, and human connection — making this sculpture a particularly fitting addition to the memorial landscape at La Pretta.
Continuing a Tradition of Remembrance
Works are currently underway to install Goccia del Sole at the park. The official unveiling is scheduled for 8 August during the Sorgente d’Arte festival.
Photos courtesy of Mario Mariani
The unveiling will also highlight the role of Rosanna Rotondi, artistic director of Sorgente d’Arte.
Our tour guests will remember Rosanna from the commemorations surrounding the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Tendola in 2025. On that occasion, she created a special Raku plate using the Japanese kintsugi technique. The plate was presented to the group, a deeply symbolic gesture linking Japanese aesthetics with memory, resilience, and healing.
The addition of Goccia del Sole represents another layer in Tendola’s remarkable commitment to remembrance.
Nisei Legacy tour groups visiting the site find a place for quiet reflection at the memorial park. A place to stand where fathers, uncles, and grandfathers once fought. Aplaceto see how their sacrifices continue to be honoured generations later.
The addition of Ogata’s sculpture will deepen that experience. At the same time, it will invite others into the Nisei story. Residents, art lovers and curious tourists who come for the beauty of the region, but who leave knowing about the extraordinary history of the 100th/442nd.
In Tendola, the memory of these men is deeply woven into the life of the community they helped liberate.
Our infinite thanks to everyone involved in the project!
Lt. Sadaichi Kubota was my father, he would be humbled and honored to know that he was a spark that initiated this remembrance. Thank you.
We feel very privileged to share your father’s story and the stories of those who were with him in the 100th/442nd.