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In 2016, Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan experienced a severe earthquake, resulting in hundreds of casualties and many houses being destroyed or severely damaged. To revitalize the local economy, the Kumamoto Prefectural Government enlisted Eiichiro Oda, the manga artist famous for One Piece, who was born in Kumamoto, to gradually set up statues of the Straw Hat Pirates in various locations across the prefecture starting in 2018.
Although this unique method of economic recovery has faced considerable criticism, a recent study indicates that since the installation of these statues, Kumamoto Prefecture has indeed attracted a significant number of foreign tourists. Let’s take a look at how much these statues have contributed to Kumamoto Prefecture.
The foreign tourist growth rate in Kumamoto Prefecture is the highest in Japan!
According to “NAVITIME Japan“, a well-known Japanese map information company, the latest analysis report compares the stay conditions of foreign tourists in various prefectures and cities in Japan between 2019 and 2023, and it is evident that Kumamoto Prefecture has been remarkably successful in attracting foreign tourists.
Kumamoto Prefecture has become the place with the highest growth rate of foreign tourists!
NAVITIME Japan further analyzed the reasons for the growth of foreign tourists in Kumamoto Prefecture and concluded: ‘Thanks to the contributions of the Straw Hat Pirates.’
Is the Straw Hat Pirates becoming the core driving force behind the revitalization of Kumamoto tourism!?
In the face of the major disaster in 2016, the Kumamoto Prefectural Government began setting up statues of the Straw Hat Pirates themed on One Piece at various locations in the prefecture starting in 2018, and has been holding promotional events irregularly to attract One Piece enthusiasts from both Japan and abroad to visit.
The bronze statue of Luffy set up in front of the Kumamoto Prefectural Office has now welcomed its sixth year.
It attracts a large number of tourists every day who come to take photos
Among them are not a few fans from abroad.
The tourists who came to see the statue of Luffy told reporters:
International student: “I am French.”
International student: “I am Spanish.”
Currently, there are 10 statues set up in Kumamoto Prefecture, creating a significant tourism economy.
According to “NAVITIME Japan“, the administrative districts in Kumamoto Prefecture with the highest growth rate of foreign tourists coincide exactly with the locations of the statues.
The situation in Uto City is particularly remarkable; the number of tourists has increased sevenfold since the statue was established.
Spanish tourist: “After taking a photo of Jebel, I have collected pictures of all the statues.”
Hong Kong tourists: “We are from Hong Kong, and this trip is mainly to see these One Piece statues.”
There are also Liars’ Cloth statues in Asu City.
Portuguese tourist: “I am from Portugal, and I have known ‘One Piece’ since my university days.”
Taiwanese tourist: “I came here because my son loves ‘One Piece’.”
The tourists who come to photograph the statue usually also sightsee nearby, thereby contributing to the local economic development.
Kumamoto Airport has also joined the “pilgrimage economy,” hoping to attract foreign tourists to enter and exit Japan from here.
A gigantic mural of One Piece has been newly established on the outer wall of the airport, called Grand Pirate Hundred Views.
Kumamoto Prefectural Governor: “I hope that people from all over the world who see this giant ‘Grand Pirate Hundred Views’ can appreciate what a wonderful choice it is to come to Kumamoto.”
There are One Piece and kumamon, the character tourism resources in Kumamoto Prefecture are truly astonishing!
