Hello, it’s Amekuma here!

The creator of the incredibly popular manga One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, is from Kumamoto. As part of the post-earthquake ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revival Project, statues of the Straw Hat Pirates have been erected across the prefecture. In this article, I’m excited to introduce each of the statues and their locations.

Note: This article is an updated version of a previous post on my blog, Amekuma. Please be aware that there may be some discrepancies in the timing of the photos.

Straw Hat Pirate Statues and Their Locations

1. Monkey D. Luffy (Kumamoto Prefectural Government Building)

The statue of Luffy, the leader of the Straw Hat Pirates and One Piece’s protagonist, is located at the Kumamoto Prefecture Government building, not far from the central area of Kumamoto City. If you’re arriving by car, simply tell the security staff that you’re there to see the Luffy statue, and they will guide you to the parking area.

This statue is incredibly cool and truly captures Luffy’s presence as a leader. The details, including the folds in his clothing, are meticulously recreated, making it a high-quality piece.

At the base of the statue, you’ll also find a handprint of One Piece’s creator, Eiichiro Oda. When I visited on a Sunday, there were a lot of tourists coming just to see Luffy, and there was even a line to take pictures with the statue.

Luffy Statue
Address: 6-18-1 Suizenji, Chūō-ku, Kumamoto City (Kumamoto Prefecture Government Promenade)
Parking: Kumamoto Prefecture Government Parking, free for up to 2 hours
Parking Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Parking area closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)

2. Tony Tony Chopper (Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Garden)

The cute and beloved doctor of the crew, Tony Tony Chopper, stands proudly at the Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Garden. The statue is positioned just before the entrance, so you can see it with only the parking fee (free on weekdays, ¥200 on weekends).

The Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Garden is also a great place to visit, with plenty to see, including golden snub-nosed monkeys (said to have inspired the character of Sun Wukong/Son Goku). If you have the time, I highly recommend exploring the zoo as well!

The Chopper statue is located just before the entrance of the zoo. He’s adorably sitting on a bench, and with his stethoscope in hand, it looks like he might be in the middle of a check-up!

The area is popular with families, and I saw many kids excitedly running around the statue, shouting, “Look, it’s Chopper!!” It’s a fun and lively spot for visitors of all ages.

Chopper Statue
Address: 5-14-2 Kenmatsu, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City (熊本市東区健軍5丁目14-2 熊本市動植物園正門前)
Parking: Kumamoto City Zoo Parking
Fee: Free (¥200 on weekends and public holidays)
Parking Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Weekends and public holidays, entry until 4:30 PM)

3. Sanji (Mashiki Sports Park)

The statue of Sanji, the cook of the Straw Hat Pirates, is located at the Mashiki Sports Park in Mashiki Town, just east of Kumamoto City. There is no entrance fee to the park, so you can enjoy the statue for free (fees apply if you wish to use the sports park facilities).

The statue is placed at the corner of the exchange square. Sanji is depicted with an excellent posture and style. His signature curled eyebrow is also carefully crafted, and in his left hand, he holds a dish.

It looks like a hearty seafood dish, possibly a paella, loaded with shrimp and octopus. If it were real, it would surely be incredibly delicious!

Sanji Statue
Address: Kiyama, Mashiki Town, Kamimashiki District (上益城郡益城町木山 益城町総合運動公園内)
Parking: Mashiki Town General Sports Park Parking
Fee: Free

4. Brook (Mifune Fureai Park)

The statue of Brook, the musician of the Straw Hat Pirates, stands proudly at Mifune Fureai Park in Kamimashiki District. Mifune Town is famous for being the site where Japan’s first carnivorous dinosaur fossil was discovered, earning it the nickname “Dinosaur Village.” The park is home to several dinosaur monuments, giving it the alternate name of the “Dinosaur Park,” making it an exciting spot for both One Piece fans and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

The Brook statue is located in the center of the park’s grassy square. Brook is shown joyfully playing his beloved shark guitar, and honestly, he might just be the coolest skeleton in the world. Fun fact: this shark guitar was completely recreated by Shimamura Instruments a few years ago and sold to fans (though it’s currently out of stock).

As mentioned earlier, there are dinosaur monuments nearby, which makes you wonder if Brook might be in danger of being “attacked” by one!

Brook Statue
Address: 100 Hetami, Mifune Town, Kamimashiki District (上益城郡御船町辺田見100 御船町ふれあい広場（恐竜公園）内)
Parking: Mifune Town Fureai Plaza (Dinosaur Park) Parking
Fee: Free

5. Roronoa Zoro (Ozu Central Park)

The statue of Roronoa Zoro, the swordsman of the Straw Hat Pirates, is located at Ozu Central Park, northeast of Kumamoto City and roughly halfway between Kumamoto City and Aso. Entry to the park is free, and it’s a lively spot, popular with joggers and families enjoying the open space.

The Zoro statue stands near the playground, beside a bench. His muscular physique and three swords are impressively recreated, making him a truly striking figure. Fun fact: Ozu Town is known for its strong kendo culture, with top-level dojos in the area. Who knows? A swordsman even more skilled than Zoro might one day emerge from Ozu!

Zoro Statue
Address: 1156-3 Ozu, Ozu Town, Kikuchi-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture (菊池郡大津町大津1156-3 大津中央公園内)
Parking: Ozu Central Park Parking
Fee: Free

6. Nami (Moe no Sato)

The statue of Nami, the navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates, is located beside Moenosato in Nishihara Village, Aso District. Moenosato is a local produce market and souvenir shop, is a popular stop for travelers heading from Kumamoto City into Aso. In addition to the statue, you’ll find tasty restaurants, ice cream shops, and cosmos flowers fields in the fall,

The Nami statue is positioned on the left side of the parking area, on the grassy field. Sitting on a treasure chest, she embodies her love for treasure in a playful and fitting way.

Nami Statue
Address: 2115-3 Komori, Nishihara Village, Aso District (Moenosato)
Parking: Tawarayama Community Center Moenosato Parking
Fee: Free

7. Nico Robin (former Tokai University – Minamiaso Campus)

The statue of Nico Robin, the archaeologist of the Straw Hat Pirates, is located at the former Tokai University Aso Campus in Minamiaso Village. The campus was damaged during the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes, and the building was later repurposed as the Kumamoto Earthquake Memorial Museum, KIOKU. Visitors can walk around the building and view the damage to the interior through glass windows. However, please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.

The Robin statue is located at the back of the building, past the side of the campus. From her feet, hands, seemingly grown with the power of her Hana Hana no Mi (Flower-Flower Fruit), stretch upward. The statue captures Robin’s mysterious aura perfectly. She is portrayed with a graceful, strong presence, much like her character in the series.

Robin Statue
Address: 5343-1 Kawayo, Minamiaso Village, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture (阿蘇郡南阿蘇村河陽5343-1 旧東海大学阿蘇校舎1号館敷地内)
Parking: Kumamoto Earthquake Memorial Museum KIOKU Parking
Fee: Free

8. Usopp (Aso Station)

The statue of Usopp, the sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates, is located at JR Aso Station in Aso City. Nearby, you’ll find Roadside Station Aso, where you can purchase local souvenirs. Be mindful that this area can experience snowfall in winter, so if you’re driving, be sure to take care.

The Usopp statue is situated on the roundabout in front of the station with his arm raised high, pointing to the sky—truly capturing Usopp’s character. Also, his slingshot is much larger than expected! Seeing him wield such a giant weapon makes you realize just how strong Usopp must be to fight with it.

The statue is especially popular with kids. When I visited, there were many children happily taking photos with Usopp, and it seems that he and Chopper are the two fan favorites among the younger crowd.

Usopp Statue
Address: Kurokawa, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture (阿蘇市黒川 阿蘇駅広場)
Parking: Aso Roadside Station Parking
Fee: Free

9. Franky (Takamori Station)

The statue of Franky, the shipwright of the Straw Hat Pirates, is located at Takamori Station in Takamori Town, Aso District. The Minamiaso Railway, which serves the station, had been partially out of service due to the Kumamoto Earthquake, but it resumed full operation on July 15, 2023.

The Franky statue stands just diagonally in front of the station entrance. I couldn’t help but marvel at how well a comic character like him suits wearing swim trunks! His signature broad smile is one of Franky’s standout traits, and it certainly brings a cheerful, bright vibe to Kumamoto.

Inside Takamori Station, there is a section dedicated to the Kumamoto Revival Project. It features One Piece manga volumes and signatures from various manga artists.

Franky Statue
Address: 1537-2 Takamori, Takamori Town, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture (阿蘇郡高森町高森1537-2 南阿蘇鉄道高森駅敷地内)
Parking: Takamori Station Parking (It gets crowded, so please park for short periods)
Fee: Free

10. Jinbe (Sumiyoshi Kaigan Park)

The statue of Jinbe, the helmsman of the Straw Hat Pirates, is located at Sumiyoshi Kaigan Park in Uto City. Parking is free at this park, which is home to the famous “Nagabeta Kaishoro” (Tidal Road), a popular spot that has even been featured in commercials. When the tide is low, the path emerges, and at high tide, only the utility poles are visible.

The Jinbe statue is absolutely massive. Its sheer size is truly overwhelming, and it’s definitely one of the most impressive statues among the ten. With the Tidal Road in the background, the location is perfect for photos.

Jinbe Statue
Address: 3162-1 Sumiyoshi, Uto City (宇土市住吉町3162-1 住吉海岸公園内)
Parking: Sumiyoshi Kaigan Park Parking
Fee: Free

Recommended Route to See the Statues

The One Piece statues of Kumamoto are numerous, and visiting all of them requires covering a significant distance. To help you explore them efficiently, here’s a 2-night, 3-day itinerary for visiting all the statues in one trip.

Option 1: 1 Night in Kumamoto City, 1 Night in Amakusa

Day 1:
Kumamoto Station or Aso Kumamoto Airport → Luffy (Kumamoto Prefectural Government) → Chopper (Zoo and Botanical Garden) → Sanji (Mashiki Sports Park) → Zoro (Ozu Central Park) → Nami (Moenosato) → Robin (Former Tokai University – Minamiaso Campus) → Usopp (Aso Station) → Franky (Takamori Station) → Hotel in Kumamoto City

Day 2:
Hotel in Kumamoto City → City Tour (One Piece Mugiwara Store) → Brook (Mifune) → Jinbe (Uto) → Amakusa Sightseeing → Stay overnight at an Onsen hotel/ryokan in Amakusa

Option 2: 1 Night in Kumamoto City, 1 Night in Aso

Day 1:
Kumamoto Station or Aso Kumamoto Airport → Jinbe (Uto) → Brook (Mifune) → Sanji (Mashiki Sports Park) → Chopper (Zoo and Botanical Garden) → Luffy (Kumamoto Prefectural Government) → City Tour (One Piece Mugiwara Store) → Hotel in Kumamoto City

Day 2:
Hotel in Kumamoto City → Zoro (Ozu Central Park) → Nami (Moenosato) → Robin (Former Tokai University – Minamiaso Campus) → Franky (Takamori Station) → Usopp (Aso Station) → Aso Onsen Hotel

Travel by Car is Recommended!

To visit all the statues, traveling by car is the best option. If you’re coming from a distant location, renting a car is a great choice.

• Toyota Rent-a-Car Kumamoto Airport
• Toyota Rent-a-Car Kumamoto Station

The One Piece statues have become a new tourism highlight in Kumamoto. If you’re up for it, you can visit them all in one day, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, 2 to 3 days will allow you to explore at your own leisure. I highly recommend that visitors from outside Kumamoto come and experience this unique tour!

See you in the next article!

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The above was translated and adapted from an article on our Japanese-language sister website ALT Kumamoto. For the original content, see the article below!