Mizuko kuyo is a Japanese Buddhist ritual performed to honor and remember deceased children, particularly those who died before birth or in infancy. The term "mizuko" translates to "water child," symbolizing the belief that these souls exist in a state of limbo. The ritual often involves offering prayers, flowers, and food at a grave or altar, providing a way for parents to express their grief and seek peace. This practice is rooted in the idea of compassion and the importance of acknowledging the loss of a child. Buddhism emphasizes the cycle of life and death, and Mizuko kuyo serves as a means for families to connect with their lost children and find solace in their memory.