The life-size gold leaf statue of Kenshiro, whose imminent unveiling we announced two weeks ago, was officially revealed on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Matsuzakaya Nagoya, as part of the “SGC Grand Gold Exhibition” (大黄金展). As expected, Buronson himself was present at the inauguration ceremony, and the Japanese press captured his first words upon seeing the work.
Buronson in awe before the sculpture
The 78-year-old scriptwriter, who rarely speaks publicly, took the stage during the inauguration and did not hide his emotion before the life-size sculpture.
“すごくかっこいい。こんなに大きいとは思わなかった。どきどきしますね”
Buronson, at the Matsuzakaya Nagoya
“It’s really cool. I didn’t think it would be this big. It makes my heart race.”
According to the Kyodo News journalist on site, the author appeared visibly in awe of the work done on this exceptional statue. A reaction that confirms the importance the production places on this event.
Tetsuo Hara at the artistic helm
The most notable information from Wednesday’s press coverage concerns the artistic dimension of the project. The design and the iconic pointing finger pose, accompanying the famous phrase “Omae wa mou shindeiru” (“You are already dead”), were approved under the direct supervision of Tetsuo Hara, the artist of the franchise. The visual consistency with the original manga was therefore overseen by the creator himself.
Technical details about the statue
Wednesday’s press coverage also provides an important technical detail. The statue is made of a reinforced resin structure (強化プラスチック製) covered with 1,500 sheets of genuine gold leaf, applied to the surface using traditional Japanese gilding techniques (kinpaku, 金箔). As a reminder, the piece stands 1.93 meters tall and is offered at a reference price of 44 million yen including tax (approximately $1,000).
The exhibition remains open to the public until Monday, June 8, 2026 on the 7th floor of Matsuzakaya Nagoya. Admission is free.
Sources: Kanagawa Shimbun (Kyodo News), Sankei, Oricon, Mantan Web, Denfaminicogamer.
