Franky Statue

Franky (フランキー像), the shipwright of the Straw Hat Pirates from the beloved anime One Piece, is a larger-than-life figure—both literally and symbolically. As a cyborg with unmatched strength and engineering skill, Franky represents innovation, durability, and an unwavering spirit. His statue—the tallest of all the One Piece figures—stands proudly at Takamori Station in Minami Aso, where he cheers on the restoration of the Minami Aso Railway. The line was severely damaged during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, but reconstruction has steadily progressed, with an 8-kilometer section already operational. Full reopening is expected in 2023, marking a major milestone in the region’s recovery. The statue was installed as part of the One Piece Kumamoto Revival Project, a heartfelt collaboration between Kumamoto Prefecture and One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda, who is originally from the region. The project was launched to support and inspire the recovery of earthquake-affected communities across the prefecture.

Franky’s presence at the station is more than just eye-catching—it’s a symbol of progress and perseverance. As the Straw Hat crew’s engineer, Franky is all about rebuilding what’s been broken, and his placement here couldn’t be more fitting. Standing beside him, visitors experience the spirit of Minami Aso: a community that refuses to give up, advancing one step—and one rail—at a time. Visiting Franky offers a powerful moment to reflect on resilience, honor local determination, and celebrate one of One Piece’s most unforgettable characters.