Description
Kagu pays homage to Miyako Jima’s vigilant guardian. Mamoru-kun in a new stylized and funny version whit the cats of Miyako Jima.
🧍♂️ Meet Miyakojima Mamoru-kun: The Island’s Watchful Guardian
Mamoru-kun is a beloved local icon on Miyako Island in Okinawa, Japan. These life-sized, police officer-shaped figures are installed across the island to promote traffic safety and remind drivers to stay alert. With their charming uniforms and stoic expressions, Mamoru-kun statues have become more than just safety symbols—they’re cultural mascots and popular photo spots for tourists.
There are over 20 unique Mamoru-kun figures, each with a different name and facial expression. They’re often accompanied by their sister figure, Mamoruko-chan, who shares the same mission of keeping the roads safe. Each statue is handmade, giving it a distinct personality, and many are placed at intersections or near schools to encourage cautious driving.
🔤 What does “Mamoru-kun” mean?
The name “Mamoru” (守る) in Japanese means to protect or to guard. The suffix “-kun” (くん) is a friendly honorific typically used for boys or younger men. So, “Mamoru-kun” can be affectionately translated as *Little Protector” or Guardian Boy. It perfectly captures the figure’s role as a gentle yet vigilant overseer of road safety.
