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10 Years On: The ONE PIECE Kumamoto Recovery Project Marks a Decade with a Free Exhibition

Ten years ago, a devastating earthquake struck Kumamoto, and soon after, a message from ONE PIECE creator Eiichiro Oda — a proud Kumamoto native — sparked one of Japan’s most beloved disaster-recovery initiatives. The ONE PIECE Kumamoto Recovery Project has now reached its 10th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, a special commemorative exhibition is currently on display at the Kumamoto Prefectural Art Museum.

The exhibition, titled the “10-Year Exhibition” (10年展), invites visitors to see, learn, and feel the journey of Kumamoto’s recovery through the world of ONE PIECE. It documents how the power of manga and anime helped drive creative reconstruction after the disaster, and celebrates the outpouring of support received from across Japan and around the world. The project’s iconic One Piece statues placed around the prefecture have become symbols of that recovery spirit.

Entry is free of charge, but advance reservation is required. If you’re planning a visit, be sure to book your slot via the official project website before heading out.

Detail Info
Dates March 20 – May 24, 2026 (Friday–Sunday)
Closed Mondays (except May 4, which is open; May 7 is a substitute closure)
Hours 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue 熊本県立美術館 本館1階 (Kumamoto Prefectural Art Museum, Main Building, 1F)
Address 熊本市中央区二の丸2番 (Ninomaru 2-ban, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)
Admission Free (advance reservation required)

The Kumamoto Prefectural Art Museum is located near Kumamoto Castle, making it easy to combine a visit to the exhibition with a walk around the castle grounds. Whether you’re a longtime ONE PIECE fan, someone curious about Kumamoto’s road to recovery, or simply looking for a meaningful free activity, this exhibition is well worth your time before it closes on May 24.

Source: One Piece Kumamoto Project

Jason
Jason
Originally from NJ, USA, Jason has lived in Kumamoto since 2006. He currently co-runs Adastra Co., Ltd. and heads Shirakawa Banks (Shirakawa Night Market, etc.). He enjoys pretending he is playing Gran Turismo as he drives very very slowly up the mountains of Aso in his kei-van.