Where to Find the Straw Hat Pirates in Kumamoto

Jul 29, 2024

Where to Find the Straw Hat Pirates in Kumamoto

The creator of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, grew up in Kumamoto. After an earthquake severely damaged the city in 2016, he started a revival project in partnership with the prefecture to reconstruct the city. To commemorate his contribution, the prefecture installed Straw Hat Pirate statues around Kumamoto. Although there was a delay in finishing the project (due to the pandemic), you can now visit all 10.

Luffy

The first Straw Hat Pirate to receive a statue was protagonist Luffy. Although he’s located in Kumamoto City, he’s not in the downtown area. To make your trip to see him worthwhile, also visit Suizenji Gardens and the flagship store of Ajisen Ramen.

Where: Kumamoto Prefectural Government Office Promenade, 6-18-1 Suizenji, Chuo ward, Kumamoto City (map)

Usopp

If you take a trip to Aso City, you’ll be greeted by Usopp, the sniper, as you leave the train station. It’s worth visiting Aso for more than just the statue, especially if you enjoy hiking and onsen.

Where: Aso Station, 1444-2 Kurokawa, Aso (map)

Sanji

Mashiki was one of the worst-affected areas after the earthquake. Sanji, the chef, was chosen for the statue because the local school lunch center was one of the buildings that was damaged. Other than Mashiki Gymnasium, there’s nothing much around here.

Where: 236 Kiyama, Mashiki, Kamimashiki (map)

Chopper

Another statue in Kumamoto City is Chopper, the doctor. Find him at the Zoological and Botanical Gardens. Many of the animals needed to be evacuated after the earthquake, but they have now all returned.

Where: Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Garden, 5-14-2 Kengun, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto (map)

Jinbe

The largest statue is Jinbe. Located in Uto, he sits on Nagabeta Sea Road, which extends out into the water. You’ll only be able to reach him at low tide.

Where: Sumiyoshi Seaside Park, 3162-1 Sumiyoshimachi, Uto (map)

Brook

As a musician, Brook was chosen for Mifune Town — home to Heisei College of Music. He is located outside the dinosaur park, which has fossils discovered in the area.

Where: Mifune Fureai Park, 42-3 Hetami, Mifune, Kamimashiki (map)

Zoro

One of the easiest statues to reach by public transport is Zoro. Although there’s not much else around to see, fans agree it’s worth making the stop, particularly on a journey to Aso or Oita.

Where: Ozu Central Park, 1156-3 Ozu, Kikuchi (map)

Nami

Another statue to see on your journey to Aso is Nami. She’s located in Nishara, which is a popular place to visit during the summer for the sunflowers and during the fall for the wildflowers.

Where: 2115-3 Komori, Nishihara, Aso (map)

Robin

Located at Kumamoto Earthquake Museum (the former site of Tokai University) is Robin, the archaeologist. Unfortunately, you can only reach her by car.

Where: Kumamoto Earthquake Museum, 5435 Kawayo Minamiaso, Aso (map)

Franky

It took seven years to repair the Minamiaso Railway, but it is now open again. If you take the train to Takamori Station in Aso, you’ll be welcomed by Franky, the shipwright.

Where: Takamori Station, 1526-5 Takamori, Aso (map)

If you’re a fan of One Piece, try to visit all the statues. Since they’re spread across nine municipalities, it’s a great chance to see more of the prefecture.

MaedaAkihiko, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons