Futen Tora Statue and Sakura Statue — Attraction in Tokyo

Here’s the deal. Tora-san is the ultimate lovable loser of Japanese cinema – a travelling salesman with a battered suitcase and a heart permanently taped back together. His bronze statue stands there, hat tilted, ready to hop a train to nowhere in particular. Beside him is Sakura, the patient sister who spent every one of the Otoko wa Tsurai yo films cleaning up his life’s endless mess. She looks elegant and calm, like she knows her brother’s about to screw up again but loves him anyway. That’s familial resignation cast in bronze.

Seeing these statues isn’t just about movie fandom. It’s a lesson in national branding. Japan immortalised a bumbling man-child with zero financial prospects and an apron-clad sister into folk heroes – a reminder that success here isn’t just measured by wealth or productivity, but by resilience, duty, and showing up for family no matter how many times they let you down.

If you’re in Shibamata, take a moment with these statues. Then pivot 180°, buy a cold green tea from Family Mart, and realise your problems aren’t that big. At least you’re not a wandering salesman lugging around your shame in a brown suitcase for forty-eight movies straight.

This isn’t Disney. This is real Japan – a country where even its cinematic icons are slightly depressed, overdressed, and permanently stuck between the station platform and the...

🟧 Shibamata is an old retro town in the perimeters of Tokyo ward. It is a Showa-era old town which was the town used for the Tora-san movies.

🟦 It is an entire street of old-school shops.

➡️ The background of the Tora-san statue 🖤 Otoko wa Tsurai-yo ( It's Tough Being a Man) is a Japanese movie series starring Kiyoshi Atsumi as "Torajiro Kuruma", whose popular nickname is Tora-san.

🟩Tora-san in the films is a kind-hearted travelling salesman who is always unlucky in love. The movie series itself is often referred to as "Tora-san" by its fans.

🟨In the 1970s when I was a child, the Tora-san movies were being broadcasted regularly on Singapore TV. 💛That's where I watch and learn about Tora-san in the movies.

● That is why on a particular trip to Tokyo, I went to Shibamata town to look for the late Tora-san's statue. 🩷His sister's statue is...

Very iconic, and it’s right in the middle of the neighbourhood, so one cannot miss it. Many people taking photos when we arrived. It’s a famous character from a 80s Japanese drama series.

And just around the corner, there is this stall that serves drinks and snacks. Outside the stall showcase some cute items, mostly golden dung themed. The owner says that in japanese word, the word “dung” and “good luck” sounds similar, so she started this gold dung as good luck charm thingy.

Then nearby along the way towards Taishakuten, you will pass by Shibamata Toy Museum which sells candies and toys, brings back nostalgic...