Anime News

Yanase Usagi Statue
Date: 2/7/2005
Anpanman creator Takashi Yanase (85) was on hand this weekend for the unveiling of a 1.5 meter bronze statue bearing a manga characterization likeness of himself. The unveiling took place on the 110 square meter site of the Anpanman museum in Kahoku city. The Townspeople took contributions and constructed the work on a purely volunteer basis. The character Usagi Yanase actually appeared in the Anpanman anime several times. It's hoped the statue will contribute to cultural and tourism value of the town. The effort about 2.9 million Yen. 180 people attended the unveiling ceremony. Yanase mentioned he has chosen to be buried beneath the statue in the future.
Source: Anime News Service