With a net worth of approximately $230 million, One Piece‘s creator, Eiichiro Oda, is a universally recognized individual. However, his generosity goes far beyond the legacy of his artistic venture. Oda’s deep connection to his roots was put to a test when a terrible earthquake devastated his hometown Kumamoto, Japan, in 2016. Oda’s response to the disaster revealed a side of the mangaka that even his biggest critics couldn’t ignore.
Prior to this, Eiichiro Oda’s unique and ambitious plan to build statues of eight iconic Straw hat pirates in his hometown had faced several backlash, as many people believed it to be a waste of resources. But in the wake of the earthquake, Oda’s selfless action turned his haters into fans.
Eiichiro Oda’s Generosity Towards Kumamoto
A dispute emerged when the Kumamoto prefectural administration announced plans to set up statues of One Piece characters close to government buildings, starting with Luffy. Many people opposed that idea, claiming that the funds could be better spent on more immediate needs, such as rebuilding homes and infrastructure. They expressed their disapproval of what they saw as an unnecessary use of taxpayer funds, which led to discussions and protests.
Amidst the heated debate, Eiichiro Oda took an initiative that changed the public’s perception. Oda contributed an incredible 800 million yen, or approximately $8 million, to the relief operations following the Kumamoto earthquake. The donation was split in two parts: 300 million yen was offered under Oda’s name and 500 million yen under Luffy’s.
This charitable act was more than just a token gesture; it was a practical aid in improving the condition of the area, allocated for vital restoration initiatives, and, most importantly, the building of the statues.
The community reacted very positively when Oda’s donation was made public. People who had been against the statues at first started to change their minds. The statues were no longer a reason for controversy; instead, they became a symbol of hope and resilience as a result of Oda’s unselfish act of love for his hometown.
The Tribute to Eiichiro Oda’s Legacy Through the Statues of One Piece Characters
The purpose of building the statues was to use the global popularity of One Piece to draw tourists and boost the local economy, while also giving the residents something to take pride in during such a difficult time.
Kumamoto Governor Ikuo Kabashima declared at a prefectural assembly on June 15, 2018, that the government would move forward with the plan to place bronze statues of the Straw Hat Pirates in different earthquake-affected areas. This decision was made following considerable consultation with Eiichiro Oda and his publisher, Shueisha, as well as input from Kumamoto locals.
This event was historical as it was named as Straw Hat pirates “Hino Country” Reconstruction Arc. The name references the former Hi Province of Japan, which was a part of the current Kumamoto Prefecture. The name most likely refers to the Wano Country as well.
Thus, starting with Monkey D. Luffy’s statue, other crew members’ statues were also established in multiple landmarks of Kumamoto. The order in which the statues were built was Luffy, Sanji, Usopp, Chopper, Brook, Franky, Nami, Robin, Zoro, and Jinbe. The once-divisive project became a source of local pride, drawing visitors from across Japan and around the world. The statues of Luffy and his crew now stand as lasting symbols of the community’s resilience and the transformative power of generosity.
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