Inspiration can come from the strangest of places. For Hajime Isayama, author of Attack on Titan, it was standing before the giant Oyama dam in his hometown of Hita that gave him the idea for his smash-hit series. Now, a trio of statues immortalize that fact.
Unveiled this weekend on November 8, statues of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin now stand permanently in Oita prefecture as a recreation of the series’ iconic first chapter, where they watch the Colossal Titan emerge from the top of Wall Maria. The statues were originally supposed to be unveiled on April 5, but the ceremony was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hajime Isayama was present alongside his editor and several fans for the ceremony on Sunday, which was put together with the help of crowdfunding. In just two months, the project ‘Attack on Hita’ surpassed its goal of 25 million yen to raise 29.7; those fans in attendance were also those who pledged more than 50,000, around 170.
The Attack on Titan Oyama dam statues are part of Hajime Isayama’s ongoing efforts to revitalize his hometown of Hita in Oita prefecture. He has helped put together events there in the past, and even did an autographing session to raise relief funds after it was affected in the 2017 Kyushuu flash floods. Now, he and others hope that these statues will bring more tourism to the area.
From the looks of the photos, it seems as if these Oyama dam statues are set to become an unmissable destination for Attack on Titan fans on ‘pilgrimage.’ Not only does the sheer height of the Oyama dam make for an impressive sight, the added layer that this inspired Isayama as a creator adds yet more meaning. There will also be a statue of Levi installed at the nearby train station sometime next year.
For more information, please visit the ‘Attack on Hita‘ website.