manga
Fist of the North Star
A bronze bust inside the Shinkansen gates at Saku, and seven manhole covers laid out as the Big Dipper.
Buronson, who wrote Fist of the North Star, is from **Saku** in Nagano, and the city marked the manga's fortieth anniversary with permanent installations. A 185cm bronze bust of **Jagi** — the author's own favourite character — stands inside the ticket gates at **Sakudaira Station** on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and seven designed **manhole covers** featuring Kenshiro, Raoh, Toki and others are set into the streets, positioned to form the shape of the **Big Dipper** the title refers to. Saku is 90 minutes from Tokyo and is otherwise known for its highland climate, sake breweries and carp.
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Common questions
What is in Saku?
A 185cm bronze bust of Jagi inside the ticket gates at Sakudaira Station, and seven designed manhole covers in the streets, positioned to form the Big Dipper.
Why Saku?
Buronson, who wrote the manga, is from there. The installations were made for the fortieth anniversary of the series.
Do I need a ticket to see the bust?
It is inside the ticket gates, so buy a platform ticket if you are not travelling through. Saku is 90 minutes from Tokyo on the Shinkansen.