A Hero’s Homecoming: Eiichiro Oda and the 10-Year Journey to Rebuild Kumamoto

In the world of One Piece, Monkey D. Luffy is known for saving kingdoms. But in the real world, his creator, Eiichiro Oda, has been doing the exact same for his own hometown.

Following the devastating earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture which where the author for ONE PIECE, Eiichiro Oda from in April 2016, Oda immediately stepped in to support his roots. What began as a simple message of encouragement evolved into the “ONE PIECE Kumamoto Revitalization Project,” a massive decade-long collaboration between the manga legend and local government to breathe life back into the region.

From Bronze Statues to the “Land of Fire”

The project reached a milestone in 2018 when Oda received the Prefectural Honor Award (a prestigious local recognition). and a life-sized bronze statue of Monkey D. Luffy was erected at the Kumamoto Prefectural Office.

Starting in 2019, the mission expanded into the “Straw Hat Pirates: Land of Fire (Hinokuni) Recovery Arc.” Over the next four years, nine more statues—one for each member of the crew—were placed across nine different municipalities in the prefecture. These statues have become a “Holy Grail” pilgrimage site for fans worldwide, symbolizing the region’s resilience.

The “Kumamoto Special” Premium Card Collection: A New Collector’s Gem

To mark the 10th anniversary of this historic project, a special exhibition is currently underway. The highlight for TCG fans? The release of the “Premium Card Collection: Kumamoto Special.” This exclusive set features the Straw Hat crew in their “Land of Fire” glory, making it a must-have for both competitive players and high-end collectors. While the initial wave has completely sold out at physical shops across Kumamoto, there is light at the end of the Grand Line: restocks are officially planned. If you’re looking to add this piece of One Piece history to your binder, keep your eyes on official announcements and local proxies. This isn’t just a card set; it’s a tribute to a decade of hope and the power of manga.

ONE PIECE Card Game Premium Card Collection “Kumamoto Special”

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