Jinbe Statue

Jinbe (ジンベエ像), the noble whale shark fish-man and helmsman of the Straw Hat Pirates from the celebrated anime One Piece, stands with quiet dignity in Sumiyoshi Kaigan Park in Uto. Holding an empty sake cup in his powerful hand, Jinbe symbolizes friendship, strength, and resilience in the face of hardship. His placement beside the sea is deeply symbolic—not only does he hail from the ocean, but his role as a steady navigator makes him the perfect figure to represent Uto’s path forward. The town was hit hard by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, with its Town Hall nearly collapsing, and Jinbe’s presence now stands as a beacon of courage and calm in the community’s ongoing 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. This project was launched to support and inspire the recovery of earthquake-affected communities across the prefecture.

Set against the soothing backdrop of waves and open sky, Sumiyoshi Kaigan Park is a serene and reflective space where visitors can connect with both nature and meaning. The statue invites fans and travelers alike to pause, breathe in the salty air, and appreciate the strength of a town that continues to move forward. Whether you’re drawn by the story of One Piece or simply by the beauty of Uto’s coastline, Jinbe’s statue offers a powerful reminder: with steady hands at the helm and unity among people, even the roughest seas can be navigated.