KUMAMOTO REVIVAL
PROJECT
message
There was a big earthquake in Kumamoto (all of Kyushu). I was born in Kumamoto. It is my hometown. To everyone greatly affected by the damage, I hope you are doing well from the bottom of my heart. I was able to reach my family and friends. They are scared but hanging in there. Everyone I contacted said things to put me at ease. They are so strong!! But there is a limit to human endurance. Before they reach their limit, I want to comfort them somehow. Adults must not worry their children. Most of all, I want the children to laugh! If they laugh, adults can do their best! Right now, it is still hard for us civilians to help. But I will definitely help with the relief effort! Don’t give up!!
-Eiichiro Oda (2016.4.17)
In April 2016, a series of powerful earthquakes struck Kumamoto prefecture. Following the quakes, manga artist and Kumamoto native Eiichiro Oda sent a heartfelt message saying he would “definitely help with the relief efforts.”It was from this message the “ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revival Project” began. An ambitious collaboration between the hit manga ONE PIECE and Kumamoto prefecture, the goal of the revival project is to "inspire" the reconstruction efforts in Kumamoto.
In 2018, Kumamoto Prefecture awarded Mr. Oda the People’s Honor Award. In addition, to thank him for his generous contributions to the recovery effort and to celebrate his achievements as a manga artists for years to come, the Luffy Statue was installed at the Kumamoto Prefectural Promenade to symbolize Kumamoto’s post-disaster recovery.
The ONE PIECE Revival Project launched the “Hinokuni Reconstruction Arc” in 2019. During this four year-long arc, statues of the Straw Hat Pirates were installed in nine municipalities in Kumamoto. In addition, the revival project has organized smaller projects to promote the reconstruction effort at the local level as well.
Passing on memories of the Kumamoto Earthquakes
for the future to learn from.
Passing on memories of the Kumamoto Earthquakes for the future to learn from.
This link will take you to the Kumamoto Earthquake Museum website.