Bronze statue of Yuya Kumahachi

The Yuwai Kumahachi Bronze Statue is a statue located in front of Beppu Station in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture. It is a cheerful statue featuring a child demon clinging to the tip of a cloak marked with the hot spring symbol. Because Yuwai Kumahachi was said to have had thinning hair, the statue is bald as well, and children affectionately call it the “shiny man.” The pedestal reads, “The shiny man who loved children,” reflecting his bright personality. Yuwai Kumahachi was a Japanese entrepreneur born in Ehime who moved to Beppu at age 46 and built a first-class hotel there. He also hired Japan’s first female sightseeing bus guide and helped energize Beppu tourism. Because he loved children, he founded the Otogi Club and devoted himself to them. He created the Jigoku Meguri tour concept and the hot spring symbol, and he also helped develop Yufuin Onsen, which has become a major success as everyone knows. Even after that, Yuwai Kumahachi remained beloved by the people of Beppu, and today he still stands in front of Beppu Station as a guardian-like presence watching over the city. Access to the Yuwai Kumahachi Bronze Statue is immediate after getting off at JR Beppu Station.