In the town of Shin-Nagata, the iconic symbol, the “Tetsujin 28 Monument,” has been completely covered by a large “curtain” for repainting. Situated in the Tetsujin Hiroba, also known as Wakamatsu Park, the monument replicates a character from the manga “Tetsujin 28” created by the Kobe-born manga artist, Mitsuteru Yokoyama. Standing at an impressive 18 meters tall, the monument was erected in 2009 by the NPO organization “Kobe Tetsujin Project” to enhance the town’s appeal with Yokoyama’s locally significant work.
The repainting work, which commenced on February 3rd, has already enveloped the monument entirely by February 7th, rendering the Tetsujin almost invisible. This repainting project, occurring for the first time in eight years since its last repaint in 2016, aims to refresh the monument’s appearance. Adjacent to the monument, the “Tetsujin Terrace” at the Tokyu Plaza Shin-Nagata offers a clear view of the monument and will be open for viewing from 10:00 to 17:00.
The ongoing repaint is expected to take about a month, offering an opportunity for visitors to witness the gradual transformation of the Tetsujin. Weather conditions may affect the timeline, but as of now, the repainting is scheduled to continue until the end of February, with the “Shining Giant” expected to be unveiled again around early March.
Ramesh Khatri, representing Kansai Nepal News, expressed appreciation for the community-driven effort to revitalize the town through the maintenance of the Tetsujin 28 Monument. He highlighted the significance of preserving cultural symbols like the monument as a means to foster local pride and attract visitors to Shin-Nagata.
—
Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: February 12, 2025 12:03 am
