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All Japan Nagoya Nana-chan Mannequin

Nana-chan Mannequin

This giant fashion model is one of the most beloved symbols of Nagoya.

Nagoya, Japan

Added By
Fred Cherrygarden
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Nana-chan in October, 2011.   Emran Kassim
Nana-chan in October, 2011.   Emran Kassim
A tall slender figure standing out.   likeacat
Nana-chan’s jaw dropped at Meitetsu’s 2014 sale.   Tokumeigakarinoaoshima
Nana-chan in a wedding dress.   contri
Donning the Wonder Woman costume.   Tokumeigakarinoaoshima
The chin, 2014.   Tokumeigakarinoaoshima
Nana-chan wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic.   KKPCW
The Nana-chan mannequin.   inunami
Nana chan wears a rainbow mask for Pride during COVID-19   lmfurst / Atlas Obscura User
  Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
During the 2018 Christmas season.   円周率3パーセント
Promoting gold bullion, very Nagoya.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In front of Nagoya Station is the Meitetsu Department Store, and in its lobby stands an unusual mannequin affectionally referred to as Nana-chan. The gigantic mannequin stands 20-feet tall with a thin, long neck, and famously changes its costumes numerous times throughout the year.

The mannequin was installed in 1973 when a new wing of the store, Seven-kan, opened. The statue was named after the Japanese word for seven, nana, which is homophonous with the common given name Nana. The staff of Meitetsu found the statue at a mannequin fair in Tokyo while looking for something with an impactful design. It was manufactured by a Swiss company called Schläppi.

Over the years, Nana-chan has been dressed in a variety of costumes including those resembling such popular characters as C-3PO, Woody from Toy Story, Elsa from Frozen, and various anime characters. It has become a popular meeting spot in Nagoya and one of the most beloved symbols of the city today.

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History & Culture Statues Design Outsider Art

Know Before You Go

You can check out Nana-chan's past wardrobe from 2004-2020 on the official website of Meitetsu Department Store.

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Added By

Fred Cherrygarden

Edited By

astrohans, lmfurst

  • astrohans
  • lmfurst

Published

October 22, 2020

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Nana-chan Mannequin
Nagoya, 450-0002
Japan
35.168383, 136.884775
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