THE JAPAN NEWS


 

KITAKYUSHU — A statue of the conductor from the popular manga “Ginga Tetsudo 999” (Galaxy Express 999) recently appeared at JR Kokura Station, near where its creator, Leiji Matsumoto, used to live.

A local monorail train has also been decorated with characters from one of Matsumoto’s best-known works, which also became popular as a TV anime, as well as with characters from his other manga.

In late April, the veteran manga artist attended the ceremonies to mark the unveiling of the statue and the train’s departure.

 

Set up by the municipal government, the reinforced-plastic statue is as tall as a real person — at about 1.6 meters — and posed in a salute. It stands near the station’s ticket gate for Shinkansen bullet trains. Set on both sides of the statue are benches with designs inspired by the seating of the 999 train, allowing visitors to rest or take photos.

The four-car decorated monorail is operated by Kitakyushu Urban Monorail Co. as the company’s second 999-designed feature. The first train ran from 2010 to November last year.

The second monorail is adorned with characters from “Galaxy Express 999,” such as Maetel, and also other popular Matsumoto characters, including Captain Harlock from the eponymous manga.

“Kokura Station served as a departure point for my career in Tokyo,” said Matsumoto, who lived in Kokura as a child. “I became what I am today thanks to Kokura. I’m glad my works are being put to use in my hometown.”