Tony Tony Chopper

Tony Tony Chopper (チョッパー像), the beloved doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates from the world-famous anime One Piece, is a reindeer who gained human traits after eating a Devil Fruit. Despite his small stature, Chopper plays a vital role in his crew—and his statue, the smallest of the One Piece figures, stands proudly in front of the Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens. This location holds particular significance: the zoo was one of many sites seriously affected by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. Buildings were damaged, habitats were disrupted, and many animals had to be temporarily relocated during the long restoration process. 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 communities across the prefecture following the disaster.

Chopper’s statue now serves as a gentle yet powerful symbol of healing and renewal. Known for his compassion, medical skill, and kind heart, Chopper represents the care extended to both people and animals in times of crisis. His presence at the zoo honors the tireless efforts of staff, volunteers, and the broader community who worked to restore the facility and welcome the animals back. Visiting Chopper’s statue is not only a tribute to a beloved character, but also a celebration of Kumamoto’s resilience—and the quiet strength found in empathy and care.