Nami Statue

Nami (ナミ像), the brilliant navigator of the Straw Hat Pirates from the beloved anime One Piece, is known for her deep connection to the wind and sea. Her statue stands gracefully in Nishihara Village, a place renowned for the Tawarayama wind turbines that rise along the ridgeline, capturing powerful gusts from the Aso Caldera. These sleek white turbines represent not only the area’s commitment to renewable energy, but also the harmony between nature and technology in this scenic rural community. Many were severely damaged during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes and are still undergoing repair—making Nami’s presence here all the more meaningful. The statue was installed as part of the One Piece Kumamoto Revival Project, a collaboration between Kumamoto Prefecture and One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda, who is originally from the region. The project was launched to support and inspire recovery efforts following the disaster.

With her weather-sensing skills and wind-inspired spirit, Nami is the perfect symbol for a village that draws strength from nature’s power. Nishihara’s breathtaking landscape and its ongoing restoration efforts reflect the region’s resilience and commitment to a sustainable future. Visitors who come to see Nami’s statue are treated not only to panoramic views and fresh mountain air, but also to a deeper appreciation of how this community continues to rebuild with vision and determination. The connection between Nami and the wind makes her presence in Nishihara both fitting and inspiring.