The statue was originally donated to the city by the local shopping district association to help revitalize the area.
In Japanese, the word fukurou represents 'no hardship' or 'protection from luck' due to the phonetics of the characters used.
The statue was moved and re-positioned several times within the station complex to accommodate transit renovations.
It is one of the most famous meeting spots in Tokyo, often compared to the Hachiko statue in Shibuya.
Ikefukurou is a subterranean stone owl monument serving as a prominent meeting point within the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo. The name is a portmanteau of 'Ikebukuro' and 'fukurou', the Japanese word for owl. It was established in 1987 as a public art piece to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the ward's designation. The statue is carved from granite and stands near the station's concourse area. It has become a cultural icon for the Toshima City area, often serving as a central rendezvous point for locals and tourists.
Directly in front of the statue to capture the carving details alongside the flow of the station.
Use the statue as a distinct landmark to help friends locate you, as the surrounding station area is complex and crowded.
Check for temporary signage nearby, as the city occasionally decorates the owl for festivals or local events.
Do not attempt to stand directly in front of the statue for a long period, as it is a high-traffic zone for commuters.
