Capcom has announced plans to construct life-sized statues of two iconic Monster Hunter creatures, Rathalos and Lagiacrus, in Fukuoka, Japan. The statues will be a central feature of a new park being developed at the Marinoa Resort, situated along the coast north of the city as part of a local revitalization effort. Promotional imagery suggests the statues will be positioned facing each other, evoking a sense of confrontation.
The Monster Hunter franchise has been a significant success for Capcom since its PlayStation 2 origins, initially gaining popularity primarily within Japan before Monster Hunter World propelled it to global phenomenon status. The series is now experiencing unprecedented popularity among both domestic fans and international tourists.
These statues represent an expansion of Capcom's efforts to translate the success of its flagship franchise into tangible real-world experiences. Last year, the company operated a limited-time augmented reality attraction called Monster Hunter Bridge at World Expo 2025. Additionally, Capcom has frequently collaborated with Universal Studios Japan for limited events tied to its popular intellectual properties as part of the "Cool Japan" initiative. Further cementing its presence, Monster Hunter Bridge is also slated to become a permanent attraction at the Nijigen No Mori theme park in Hyogo Prefecture. Capcom hopes the new statue installation in Fukuoka will serve as a destination for dedicated fans and a gathering point for the community.
With attractions like Monster Hunter Bridge and the upcoming statues, it is becoming increasingly feasible to plan travel itineraries centered around Monster Hunter commemorations in Japan. As the country increasingly leverages popular intellectual property to draw visitors to areas beyond traditional tourist hotspots, these new statues could help establish Fukuoka as a noteworthy destination for travelers.