Across Kumamoto Prefecture, statues of the Straw Hat Crew from the popular manga One Piece have been installed. These statues serve as symbols of recovery from the Kumamoto Earthquake and have become major tourist attractions. Each statue is placed in a unique location, making the journey to visit them a memorable pilgrimage for fans and travelers alike.
- Background of the Straw Hat Crew Statues
- List of Statue Locations
- Luffy Statue Kumamoto Prefectural Office (Kumamoto City)
- Chopper Statue Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens (Kumamoto City)
- Zoro Statue Ōzu Central Park (Ōzu Town)
- Sanji Statue Minaterasu (Mashiki Town)
- Usopp Statue Aso Station (Aso City)
- Nami Statue Tawayama Exchange Center Moe no Sato (Nishihara Village)
- Robin Statue Former Tokai University Aso Campus (Minamiaso Village)
- Franky Statue Takamori Station (Takamori Town)
- Brook Statue Mifune Dinosaur Museum (Mifune Town)
- Jinbe Statue Sumiyoshi Seaside Park (Uto City)
- Comparing the Highlights of Each Statue
- Access and Touring Tips
- Local Food and Nearby Attractions
- Conclusion
Background of the Straw Hat Crew Statues
The installation of these statues in Kumamoto Prefecture was initiated as part of reconstruction support following the Kumamoto Earthquake. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, was born in Kumamoto and contributed to this project out of love for his hometown. These statues are not merely tourist attractions but serve as symbols of hope and encouragement for the affected regions. For locals, the presence of beloved characters provides courage, and for visitors, they have become iconic landmarks to capture memories and honor recovery efforts.
List of Statue Locations
Here is a list of where each member of the Straw Hat Crew can be found across the prefecture:
| Character | Installation Site | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Luffy | Kumamoto Prefectural Office | Kumamoto City |
| Chopper | Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens | Kumamoto City |
| Zoro | Ōzu Central Park | Ōzu Town |
| Sanji | Minaterasu | Mashiki Town |
| Usopp | Aso Station | Aso City |
| Nami | Tawayama Exchange Center “Moe no Sato” | Nishihara Village |
| Robin | Former Tokai University Aso Campus | Minamiaso Village |
| Franky | Takamori Station | Takamori Town |
| Brook | Mifune Dinosaur Museum | Mifune Town |
| Jinbe | Sumiyoshi Seaside Park | Uto City |
Luffy Statue Kumamoto Prefectural Office (Kumamoto City)
The Luffy statue stands at the front of the Kumamoto Prefectural Office. With his arm raised high in a powerful pose, Luffy represents the symbol of recovery. This spot is often the first stop for visitors, and many take commemorative photos with the grand prefectural building in the background. Nearby, attractions such as Kumamoto Castle and bustling downtown areas make this an accessible and meaningful site for both locals and tourists.
Chopper Statue Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens (Kumamoto City)
Chopper, the caring and lovable crew member, can be found at the Kumamoto Zoo. Surrounded by nature and animals, the setting suits his personality well. Chopper is especially popular among families and children, making the zoo a joyful stop. Searching for the statue while exploring the grounds feels like a treasure hunt, and the seasonal beauty of the zoo adds even more charm for visitors.
Zoro Statue Ōzu Central Park (Ōzu Town)
Zoro’s statue stands tall in Ōzu Central Park. Posed with his swords, the statue radiates strength and leaves a strong impression. The natural surroundings of Ōzu Town resonate with Zoro’s character, creating a powerful harmony between the swordsman and the landscape. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely time in the park, where both locals and tourists gather.
Sanji Statue Minaterasu (Mashiki Town)
Sanji’s statue is located at Minaterasu, a community hub in Mashiki Town, which suffered significant damage during the earthquake. His presence here carries great meaning. As a chef, Sanji is associated with nourishment and care, symbolizing “supporting people through food,” perfectly aligning with the facility’s role. For visitors, it conveys a message of resilience and new beginnings.
Usopp Statue Aso Station (Aso City)
Usopp’s statue is placed in front of Aso Station. Against the majestic backdrop of Mt. Aso, the statue ignites a spirit of adventure. Conveniently located for train travelers, it serves as a gateway landmark for Aso tourism. Combining the statue with a stroll through nearby shops and information centers enriches the overall travel experience.
Nami Statue Tawayama Exchange Center Moe no Sato (Nishihara Village)
Nami’s statue is installed at Moe no Sato in Nishihara Village. Perched on a hill with panoramic views, Nami looks as if she is surveying the horizon, embodying the navigator’s watchful role over the skies and lands. The facility also sells local products, making it a stop where tourism and community revitalization come together.
Robin Statue Former Tokai University Aso Campus (Minamiaso Village)
Robin’s statue stands at the former Tokai University Aso Campus. As an archaeologist, Robin represents the pursuit of knowledge, and the academic setting enhances her scholarly image. Surrounded by calm nature, the site offers visitors a peaceful and intellectual atmosphere.
Franky Statue Takamori Station (Takamori Town)
Franky’s statue is positioned in front of Takamori Station. With his large, imposing build, the statue is full of energy and charisma. Being located at the station entrance, it serves as a welcoming landmark at the gateway of the town, impressing travelers immediately upon arrival.
Brook Statue Mifune Dinosaur Museum (Mifune Town)
Brook’s statue is uniquely placed at the Mifune Dinosaur Museum. The combination of a skeleton musician and dinosaur fossils creates a whimsical and memorable scene. Many visitors end their museum tour by stopping at Brook’s statue, making it a fun conclusion to their trip.
Jinbe Statue Sumiyoshi Seaside Park (Uto City)
Jinbe’s statue is located at Sumiyoshi Seaside Park. With the sea behind him, his presence is grand and commanding. He highlights his role as the helmsman who protects his comrades at sea, blending perfectly with the natural setting. A walk along the coast while visiting his statue makes for a moving and memorable experience.
Comparing the Highlights of Each Statue
| Character | Key Features | Surrounding Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Luffy | Symbol of recovery | Kumamoto Castle, downtown |
| Chopper | Family-friendly, loved by children | Zoo and gardens |
| Zoro | Powerful swordsman pose | Public park for relaxation |
| Sanji | Represents nourishment and recovery | Minaterasu community hub |
| Usopp | Gateway landmark | Aso Station and shopping street |
Access and Touring Tips
| Area | Main Transportation | Suggested Route |
|---|---|---|
| Kumamoto City | Tram and bus | Visit Luffy and Chopper statues in one day |
| Aso Area | JR Hōhi Line and car | See Usopp, Robin, and Franky together |
| Uto & Mifune | Car | Combine Jinbe and Brook on the same day |
Local Food and Nearby Attractions
| Area | Local Cuisine | Nearby Sightseeing |
|---|---|---|
| Kumamoto City | Kumamoto Ramen | Kumamoto Castle |
| Aso City | Akaushi Beef Bowl | Mount Aso |
| Nishihara Village | Dago-jiru (dumpling soup) | Tawayama Observatory |
| Mifune Town | Dinosaur Curry | Dinosaur Museum |
| Uto City | Fresh Seafood | Okoshiki Coast |
Conclusion
The Straw Hat Crew statues scattered across Kumamoto Prefecture serve as symbols of recovery and powerful assets for local tourism. Each statue is deeply tied to the culture and identity of its location, offering visitors the chance to enjoy both the character’s charm and the community’s traditions. For One Piece fans, this is more than just sightseeing—it is a pilgrimage. For travelers, it is an opportunity to support regional recovery while creating unforgettable memories. In this way, a journey through Kumamoto to see the statues becomes an act of solidarity and encouragement.
