Tokiji Suzuki

1998, Japan, Painting

I was born in a poor, run-down house Where I lived with my parents and siblings We were a family When I think back to the white cat that was born in the shed I realize the reason I was able to survive Was because I was part of a family I’m glad That I survived Source: Tokuji Suzuki’s collection of paintings: Proof of Life –...

Tokiji Suzuki

2000, Japan, Painting

Tokiji Suzuki

2002, Japan, Painting

I filed a lawsuit against the government And won My thinking changed I felt I had a bright future You can see this in my pictures Source: Tokuji Suzuki’s collection of paintings: Proof of Life – From a Hansen’s Disease Sanatorium, (Koseisha, 2002).

Tokiji Suzuki

1998, Japan, Painting

Afternoon in a park A three-wheeled scooter loaded with wheat On the street next to the park The engine revs and revs Its long shadow next to the park Has passed In the shade of trees in the park A young girl with a guide dog Sits on a yellow bench An old widow sits On a big swing in the trees Her grandchild is on a tricycle...

Tokiji Suzuki

2000, Japan, Painting

Tokiji Suzuki

1998, Japan, Painting

Tokiji Suzuki

1997, Japan, Painting

When I die I want to be cremated and my ashes thrown into my hometown Tone River I would hate to be enclosed in a “crypt” or a “grave”! During the daytime the sun shines brightly At night the stars reflected on the surface will look over me – and I’ll flow into the ocean Then I will truly be free Source: Tokuji Suzuki’s coll...

Tokiji Suzuki

2000, Japan, Painting

Tokiji Suzuki

1997, Japan, Painting

The sight of the riverbank when I was a child After that I walked from the bank of the Hirose River In the direction of the Red Cross But the horse tied to the willow trees next to the river Was tired like me But the horse looked tired from summer fatigue And didn’t even move around the riverbank I don’t know how long it h...