The monument was unveiled in 2021 as part of a collaboration between Sumoto City and the Dragon Quest franchise.
Yuji Horii, the creator of Dragon Quest, personally attended the unveiling ceremony in his hometown.
The statue depicts the protagonist from the original Dragon Quest game accompanied by a slime.
The monument is situated along the Sumoto Port area, which is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the city's waterfront.
Sumoto City has official 'Dragon Quest' manhole covers scattered throughout the area for fans to discover.
The Dragon Quest Monument is a bronze sculpture located in Sumoto, Awaji Island, serving as a tribute to the Dragon Quest video game series. It features the series' iconic hero and a slime mascot positioned on a pedestal. This location was chosen because series creator Yuji Horii is a native of Sumoto. The monument serves as a local landmark to boost tourism and celebrate the cultural impact of the long-running RPG franchise. Visitors can find an interactive QR code nearby that provides audio commentary or specialized content. It is permanently installed in an open-air public space, allowing for year-round access.
Directly in front of the statue to capture the hero and slime with the Sumoto harbor in the background.
Look for the series of Dragon Quest-themed manhole covers located within walking distance of the statue.
Bring a portable battery pack if you intend to explore the town while using AR or GPS-based gaming apps.
Check the weather before visiting, as the site is fully exposed to the elements on the waterfront.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the pedestal, as it is a public art installation.
