About
In the heart of Komatsushima City, where the gentle sea breeze carries whispers of ancient tales, stands a monumental figure that captures the essence of local folklore and cultural pride. This is the Kinchō Tanuki Statue, a towering tribute to the legendary tanuki, Kinchō, whose story has been woven into the fabric of this community for generations.
As you approach the statue, its sheer size commands attention. Rising five meters into the sky, with a matching girth and weighing an impressive five tons, this bronze behemoth is recognized as the world's largest tanuki statue. (city.komatsushima.lg.jp) Its jovial expression and the high lanterns it holds aloft evoke the spirited energy of the Awa Odori dance, a traditional performance that enlivens the region each summer.
The tale of Kinchō is one of gratitude, loyalty, and valor. In the late Edo period, a compassionate dye merchant named Moemon rescued a tanuki from tormentors. In return, the tanuki, named Kinchō, became the guardian of Moemon's shop, bringing prosperity and protection. Seeking to elevate his status among his kind, Kinchō ventured to study under Rokuemon, the chief of Shikoku's tanuki. However, upon refusing Rokuemon's offer to become his heir, Kinchō faced betrayal and a fierce battle known as the "Awa Tanuki Gassen." Despite emerging victorious, Kinchō sustained fatal injuries and returned to Moemon to express his gratitude before passing away. Moved by Kinchō's devotion, Moemon enshrined him as "Shōichi-i Kinchō Daimyōjin," a deity of the highest rank. (city.komatsushima.lg.jp)
This rich narrative has inspired various cultural expressions, including the 1994 Studio Ghibli film "Pom Poko," which draws upon the legend of Kinchō and the tanuki's struggle to coexist with human development. (maff.go.jp)
The statue is situated within the Komatsushima Station Park, a site that harmoniously blends history and recreation. Adjacent to the tanuki statue, visitors can explore the SL Memorial Plaza, where a preserved steam locomotive and a reconstructed station building offer a glimpse into the area's railway heritage. (city.komatsushima.lg.jp)
As you stand before the Kinchō Tanuki Statue, the air seems to hum with the echoes of drums and the rustle of festival banners. The statue not only honors a beloved local legend but also serves as a beacon of the enduring spirit and cultural richness of Komatsushima. It invites all who visit to delve into the stories that shape this land and to carry forward the legacy of Kinchō, the tanuki whose gratitude and bravery left an indelible mark on the heart of the city.