Exchange of contemporary culture(3)
A Trip to See the Roots of World Famous Manga and Anime
"Sergeant Frog," an anime TV-and-movie series based on an original manga, is broadcast mainly in Asian countries such as Korea and Taiwan, and it enjoys broad popularity.
The manga’s creator spent his childhood in Kumamoto City, so Kumamoto elements appear in it frequently. For example, the main character’s favorite food is the famous Kumamoto dumpling "Ikinari Dango" and Kumamoto Castle is shown.
There are life-sized figurines from "Sergeant Frog" in Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens and in Kumamoto Castle’s Ninomaru Square.
Kumamoto City also has connections to other internationally famous manga and anime, including "One Piece" and "Slam Dunk," adding to its appeal among non-Japanese people who have interests in Japanese anime and manga cultures.
Related Spots
Kumamoto Castle
There is a life-sized figurine of “the Kato Kiyomasa version of Sergeant Frog” in Kumamoto Castle’s Ninomaru Square, along with a “88 Japanese Anime Holy Sites” plate.
(As of now, February 2019, entry into many areas and facilities is prohibited because of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, but visitors can see the castle tower, its turrets and more from the Ninomaru Square, Kato Shrine, and surrounding area.)
Location: 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi
PH: 096-352-5900 (Kumamoto Castle General Office)
Website: Kumamoto Castle Official Website
https://kumamoto-guide.jp/kumamoto-castle/en/admission/
Closed: Dec 29 to 31
Admission: 500 yen (adults), 200 yen (elementary/junior high)
Transportation: Right next to “Kumamoto Castle Ninomaru Parking Lot” bus stop
Approx. 30 min from Kyushu Jukan Expressway Kumamoto Interchange, or approx. 25 min from Mashiki-Kumamotokuko Interchange
Parking: Available
Ikidari Dango
An excellent Kumamoto confectionary. It appears in “Sergeant Frog” as a favorite food of the title character.