Are you planning your next trip to Japan? If you're an anime fan, why not add a "Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites" (Seichi Junrei) or a "Journey to the Roots" to your itinerary? Many of the world's most beloved masterpieces were born right here in Kyushu. Here is a guide to the legendary anime series originating from each prefecture, along with a glimpse into their creators' hometowns.
■ Fukuoka: Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Koyoharu Gotouge, the creator of the global phenomenon Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, hails from Fukuoka Prefecture. Throughout the region, you’ll find shrines and spots rumored to be models for the series. The Homangu Kamado Shrine in Dazaifu is a must-visit destination for fans seeking to connect with the series' atmosphere.
■ Oita: Attack on Titan
Hajime Isayama was born in Hita City, Oita Prefecture. At the Oyama Dam, you can find life-sized bronze statues of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin facing the massive dam wall—a sight that strikingly evokes the "Great Walls" from the story's beginning. The overwhelming scale of the series likely drew inspiration from Oita's rugged, breathtaking landscapes.
■ Saga: Sazae-san
Machiko Hasegawa, the creator of Sazae-san—Japan's most famous and longest-running animated family—was born in Taku City, Saga Prefecture. Knowing that the roots of this heartwarming portrayal of Showa-era family life lie in Kyushu adds a special layer of nostalgia to the series.
■ Nagasaki: Yowamushi Pedal
Wataru Watanabe, the mastermind behind the high-intensity cycling road race manga Yowamushi Pedal, is a native of Nagasaki Prefecture. Nagasaki is famous for its steep, winding streets—the perfect training ground for the "climbers" depicted in the series. A trip here allows you to experience the same challenging yet beautiful terrain that fuels the competitive spirit of the characters.
■ Kumamoto: One Piece
Eiichiro Oda, the legendary creator of One Piece, was born in Kumamoto Prefecture. Today, bronze statues of the Straw Hat Crew are installed at various locations throughout the prefecture as symbols of recovery following the 2016 earthquakes. The "One Piece Statue Tour" has become a quintessential pilgrimage for fans from around the world.
■ Miyazaki: Bocchi the Rock!
Aki Hamaji, the creator of the hit musical series Bocchi the Rock!, hails from Miyazaki Prefecture. There is a fascinating contrast between Miyazaki’s sunny, tropical vibe and the introverted, deeply relatable journey of the protagonist, "Bocchi-chan," making this an intriguing point of interest for fans exploring the creator's roots.
■ Kagoshima: Slam Dunk
Takehiko Inoue, the author of the basketball masterpiece Slam Dunk, was born in Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture. The intense passion and indomitable spirit found in his work seem to echo the historical "Satsuma Hayato" spirit—the resilient and brave character traditional to the people of Kagoshima.
Embark on Your Anime Pilgrimage in Kyushu
Kyushu is not only about incredible soul food and relaxing hot springs; it is also a place to discover the "fountain of culture" behind your favorite stories. Come and feel the air that inspired these legendary creators!
Looking for specific locations? We can help you find precise coordinates for these statues and shrines to add to your Google Maps for your next adventure!
