Kumamoto Prefecture has installed statues of One Piece characters to increase tourism and honor victims of a major 2016 earthquake [1].
The initiative leverages the global popularity of the manga series to stimulate the local economy. By attracting international and domestic visitors, the region seeks to accelerate its recovery from a disaster that caused significant loss of life and infrastructure damage.
Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, collaborated with Kumamoto officials to bring these figures to the region [1]. The statues serve as landmarks across the prefecture, encouraging tourists to explore different areas and support local businesses. This strategy aims to ensure that the public memory of the disaster remains alive while fostering a spirit of resilience.
The region is still recovering from the events of April 14, 2016, when a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck [1]. The disaster resulted in thousands of casualties [1]. The installation of the statues began in the years following the quake as part of a broader effort to revitalize the community.
Local officials said the monuments have created a "tourism miracle" by drawing fans who travel specifically to see the characters [1]. This influx of visitors provides a critical economic lift to a prefecture that faced immense hardship during the reconstruction process.
By integrating popular culture with disaster remembrance, Kumamoto has transformed the landscape of its recovery. The project demonstrates how intellectual property and artistic contributions can be used to support public-sector goals in disaster-stricken zones.
“The statues serve as landmarks across the prefecture, encouraging tourists to explore different areas.”
This initiative represents a strategic use of 'contents tourism,' where fictional worlds drive real-world economic activity. By linking a global entertainment brand to a site of historical tragedy, Kumamoto is not only diversifying its revenue streams but also ensuring that the 2016 earthquake remains a point of public consciousness rather than a forgotten disaster.
