Kokubunji, a city in Tokyo, is planning to install a bronze statue of a classic character from Tatsunoko Pro, the legendary anime studio founded there. The statue will stand in the plaza in front of Kokubunji Station, where the JR Chuo Line and Seibu Railway intersect, creating a lasting symbol of the city's connection to anime history.
The crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE, one of Japan's largest crowdfunding platforms, uses a rewards-based model to gather support. The project aims to preserve Kokubunji's historical ties to Tatsunoko Pro for future generations while creating an iconic landmark for the city. It appeals to both local residents and fans of Tatsunoko Pro's works worldwide.
Highlights
- Making local history visible through a public monument that communities easily support
- High-traffic station plaza location amplifies symbolic value and visibility
- Strategy reaches both local residents and content fans simultaneously
- Strong example of public-private partnership leveraging local cultural assets
Why this campaign attracts support
Editorial analysis based on publicly available information. It is not a confirmed account of why backers chose to give.
The project taps into the authentic historical connection between Kokubunji and Tatsunoko Pro, transforming a historical fact into emotional resonance. For local residents, it stirs civic pride and tells the story of their town's identity. For anime fans, it becomes a pilgrimage site and meaningful memorial. The prominent station plaza location ensures visible, lasting impact—supporters can see their contribution take permanent form in the urban landscape. This combination of local heritage and existing fan communities creates powerful momentum. The involvement of local government, Tatsunoko Pro's cooperation, and community stakeholders all strengthen credibility and feasibility, making supporters confident their money will create real, lasting change.
Did this article help you?
A note from the editors
This project demonstrates how local cultural heritage and dedicated fan communities can be woven together to fund community symbols. The storytelling—connecting past to future through a physical monument—combined with the high-visibility station location, creates strong motivation for support. For municipalities and organizations with local historical ties to beloved content, this approach of blending heritage with fan engagement offers a valuable model for future community projects.