A statue of Sakamoto Ryoma lies on the back of a truck as it is moved in preparation for the approach of Typhoon Shanshan in Kochi on August 28.
11:24 JST, September 21, 2024
KOCHI — Three statues of influential samurai from the mid-19th century were temporarily removed from the front of JR Kochi Station in late August due to the approach of Typhoon Shanshan, which was moving across Shikoku.
A statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, who played a major role in the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate, was moved to a warehouse in Kochi on August 28. Statues of Nakaoka Shintaro and Takechi Hanpeita, other influential figures in the anti-shogunate movement, were also moved to the warehouse.
The statues, made of polystyrene, each weigh around 400 kilograms and are approximately 8.3 metres high with their bases. They were lifted one by one by a crane before being placed on the back of a truck.
The Ryoma statue was driven on the back of a truck through the streets of Kochi as locals watched and took photos of the unusual sight.
It was the first time in five years that the statues had to be moved due to an approaching typhoon. According to the Kochi Visitors and Convention Association, the statues will remain in storage for some time due to the typhoon season and for maintenance. It has not yet been decided when they will return to their place in front of the station.
