This was a visit on August 10, 2024. It's a statue in front of Toritsu-Kasei Station. Apparently it was created in Heisei 14 to commemorate new streetlights and road paving for this shopping street, and it was designed by manga artist Tetsuya Chiba. Apparently there are also Seven Lucky Gods statues at seven spots along the shopping street. It looks like a Healslime, but come to think of it, back in the day this is pretty much how people imagined Martians.

Next to the shinkin bank beside the south exit of Toritsu-Kasei Station, the Kasei-chan monument, based on an original drawing by Tetsuya Chiba and probably modeled on a Martian as a pun on the "Kasei" in Toritsu-Kasei, stands out. Around the station there are also Kasei-chan Seven Lucky Gods, some standing proudly on street corners and some hidden in the shrubbery, so it's fun to hunt for them while strolling around.

As soon as you exit the south exit of Toritsu-Kasei Station and walk along the shopping street, what immediately catches your eye is a monument of an adorable character. This character is "Kasei-chan," designed by manga artist Tetsuya Chiba, and is beloved as the mascot of the Toritsu-Kasei shopping street. The monument was made in July of Heisei 23 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of "Kasei-chan's" birth. Its distinctive form and expression draw the eyes of visitors and have a charm that makes you want to take a photo. When I first saw this monument, I was captivated by its unique design. It's shaped like a mushroom, with a look that somehow feels nostalgic. Up close, you can see that even the details are carefully crafted. In particular, learning that it's based on an original drawing by Tetsuya Chiba himself moved me deeply. Around the monument, locals and tourists gather to take photos or use it as a meeting spot. When I met up with a friend, we also met in front of this monument. At that time, I heard that the cream puffs modeled on "Kasei-chan" sold at a nearby Western-style pastry shop were delicious, so I decided to stop by right away. At that pastry shop, a cream puff called "Kasei-chan de Shu" is sold as a popular item. This cream puff is a gem that won the grand prix at an event competing for the pinnacle of Nakano Ward's food culture, and is also certified as a NAKANO Brand. The combination of crispy cookie crust and smooth, not-too-sweet custard cream is exquisite, and one bite made me feel happy. Walking along the Toritsu-Kasei shopping street, you see "Kasei-chan" everywhere. It appears on the shopping street's signs and posters, and even works as a mascot for events, and you can feel how deeply rooted it is as a symbol of the area. I spotted "Kasei-chan" many times while strolling, and each time it put me at ease. On the other hand, though, the monument itself is smaller than I expected, so you might overlook it. Especially if it's your first visit, it blends into the surrounding scenery, so look for it carefully. Also, cars pass along the shopping street, so you need to watch out for your surroundings when taking photos. Overall, the "Kasei-chan Monument" is loved by many as a symbol of Toritsu-Kasei's warmth and humor. With easy access just a 1-minute walk from Toritsu-Kasei Station, why not stop by when strolling around Tokyo? Seeing its adorable figure and feeling the liveliness of the shopping street, you're sure to spend a heartwarming moment.

The origin of the station's name is going to be passed down wrong to future generations

It's charming and cute.