Kobe Tetsujin 28-go

Tetsujin 28-go is the title of a manga work and the name of the huge robot who appears in the work, illustrated by Mitsuteru Yokoyama. In the story, a boy detective named Shotaro uses a remote controller to operate Tetsujin 28-go and fight for peace. Today, this huge robot emerges from the pages of manga to fight for peaceful quality of life in Kobe, Mr. Yokoyama’s birthplace.

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The Kobe Tetsujin Project began with the restoration and revitalization of shopping streets in Kobe after the Great Hanshin Earthquake, which occurred in 1995. Part of this renewal project includes a 18-meter-tall statue of Tetsujin 28-go, which is considered “real life-sized” in the story. The Kobe Tetsujin Sangokushi Gallery, located near the colossal statue, exhibits its construction history and displays related goods.

The City of Kobe — where people are saved by Tetsujin 28-go — has been a prosperous seaport since olden times. Once an enclave of international residents, the city preserves a strong sense of international feeling. Streets with authentic Western-style buildings designed by overseas architects are now general stores and select shops that sell goods from around the world.

Kaigan Building

One of the oldest commercial-use buildings among Kobe’s surviving Western-style architectural landmarks. The three-story brick edifice has a massive yet elegant appearance. The building still contains many shops including a boutique, gallery, general store, and café, in addition to functioning as an office building. Its distinctive feature is a long continuous staircase from the first floor hall to the third floor, under a skylight of stained glass. Every evening after sunset, the building is beautifully illuminated.

Modernark

Under the slogan, “Friendly goods for the body and Mother Earth,” this general store sells cotton and linen clothing, socks and babywear, plus accessories, kitchenware, and other products imported from overseas.

Rollo Stock

A specialty shop that sells antique fabrics, laces, and ribbons bought in Europe. If you’re seeking rare designs and textile products, this is an excellent place to visit.

MANDRAKE

This shop offers antiques and specializes in batiks from Africa, India, Nepal, Netherlands and the UK, as well as a large stock of other fashionable items. Its unique selection has the strong support of many fans in Kobe.

Night views of Kobe

Take a romantic evening stroll along the shore of Kobe Bay, enjoying the sea breezes as you watch illuminated cruise boats in the Bay, gliding over the glowing sea surface. Admire the city lights, including Kobe Port Tower with its small Japanese drum (tsuzumi) image, Kobe Maritime Museum with its white sailboat design, and other illuminated points of interest. And, you can enjoy spectacular night views of Kobe from Mt. Rokko and Mt. Maya, one of the Three Great Nightscapes of Japan.

©HIKARI PRODUCTION/KOBE TETSUJIN PROJECT2013