【東京・東村山】志村けんの像の見どころ！場所・アクセス＆周辺スポット

【Overview & History of the Statue of Ken Shimura】
- 【History & Origins】A Symbol in Front of Higashi-Murayama Station Born from Nationwide Crowdfunding
- 【Meticulously Crafted Sculpting and Presentation】The “Aiin” Pose
【Statue of Ken Shimura On-Site Stroll Report & Evaluation】
- Statue of Ken Shimura On-Site Review & Evaluation Score
- 【On-Site Report | Personal Impressions and Atmosphere】
【Nearby Sightseeing Spots to Visit Together】
【Basic Information & Access】
- 【Access by Train / Car and Parking】
- 【Address & Official Website】

【Overview & History of the Statue of Ken Shimura】

Located in the East Exit rotary of Higashi-Murayama Station in Higashimurayama City, Tokyo, the “Statue of Ken Shimura” is a bronze monument honoring the late comedian’s achievements.

【History & Origins】A Symbol in Front of Higashi-Murayama Station Born from Nationwide Crowdfunding

Unveiled on June 26, 2021, this life-sized bronze statue honors the achievements of Ken Shimura (real name: Yasunori Shimura), a great comedian born in Higashimurayama City. Built not with government funds, the statue was created through a crowdfunding campaign (donations) led by an executive committee formed by local business leaders and citizens after Shimura’s sudden passing in 2020.

【Meticulously Crafted Sculpting and Presentation】The “Aiin” Pose

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The statue captures the iconic “Aiin” pose—a signature gag known by virtually everyone in Japan. Sculpted at 167 centimeters to match Shimura’s real-life height, standing beside it creates an intimate feeling as if he were right there in person.

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Looking closely at the backdrop panel behind the statue featuring the characters “Ken Shimura,” one discovers it is a photo mosaic composed of smiling portraits from roughly 1,400 fans and citizens who contributed to the project. It is a wonderful presentation that surrounds him with the smiles of the people who loved him, perfectly reflecting the “laughter” to which Shimura dedicated his entire life.

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(Note: The area around Higashi-Murayama Station is currently undergoing a major plaza redevelopment accompanying railway elevation. Plans are in place to relocate the statue and transplant the zelkova trees to a central area of the plaza for easier viewing.)

【Statue of Ken Shimura On-Site Stroll Report & Evaluation】

Statue of Ken Shimura On-Site Review & Evaluation Score

Evaluation Category	Score	Key Features / Highlights
Accessibility	(5.0)	Located right outside the East Exit ticket gates of “Higashi-Murayama Station” on the Seibu Shinjuku and Kokubunji Lines. Prime accessibility situated within the station rotary plaza.
Ease of Walking & Facilities	(4.5)	Flat, well-paved pathways in the station plaza. Step-free and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, adjacent to station facilities, convenience stores, and more.
Highlights & Satisfaction	(3.5)	A must-see for fans, featuring a life-sized bronze statue with his iconic smiling “Aiin” pose, handwritten message, and the “Ken Shimura Trees” donated in 1976.
Openness & Nature	(2.5)	Though situated in a corner of the station plaza, it offers an open space where you can feel the blue sky and greenery from three large grown symbol trees (zelkova).
Views & Scenery	(2.5)	While lacking distant vistas, it presents an iconic Higashimurayama landscape blending the neatly arranged station rotary with the bronze statue and symbol trees.
Tranquility & Refreshment	(2.0)	Lively all day with buses and commuters due to its location in front of the station, yet offers an open and welcoming atmosphere where taking commemorative photos or dropping by is easy.

*A commemorative bronze statue erected in the East Exit plaza of “Higashi-Murayama Station” on the Seibu Line in Higashimurayama City, Tokyo. Unveiled in July 2021 through nationwide crowdfunding support, it was created to pass down the achievements and warm smile of Honorary Citizen Ken Shimura—who made the name of Higashimurayama famous nationwide—to future generations. Standing beside the life-sized statue striking his familiar “Aiin” pose are three large zelkova trees (“Ken Shimura Trees”) planted by Mr. Shimura himself in 1976 to express gratitude for the hit song “Higashimurayama Ondo.” Spreading their branches wide, they form a popular landmark that serves as the starting point for sightseeing in Higashimurayama, welcoming numerous fans and tourists.

【On-Site Report | Personal Impressions and Atmosphere】

Stepping out into the East Exit rotary of Higashi-Murayama Station, there stood Ken Shimura with his familiar “Aiin” pose, wearing that nostalgic smile just as we remember him. For generations who experienced his peak era in real time, it is a place where memories of bursting into laughter in living rooms on Saturday nights vividly come flooding back. Smiles naturally break out on the faces of people posing for photos right next to the statue. Continuing to bring smiles to people’s faces in front of Higashi-Murayama Station even after his passing, his presence softly proves that the culture of laughter he left behind will never fade away.