What Is the Statue of Marilyn? Visiting the Sites Associated with the Moving True Story from Okinawa, “I Want to Meet Marilyn”
What is the Marilyn statue?
Here’s a moving true story set in Okinawa
The Marilyn Statue is a sculpture modeled after a white female dog, located on Zamami Island in Okinawa.
A movie based on a true story"I Want to Meet Marilyn"It is known as a place associated with her.
In this column, we’ll provide an easy-to-understand overview of the statue—including basic information, a summary of the story, and nearby tourist attractions.
◆For those who want to know where the statue of Marilyn is
◆For those planning a trip to Zamami Island and the Kerama Islands
◆ For those curious about the true story behind "I Want to Meet Marilyn" and how it ends
Popular Tours in Kerama Islands
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Basic Information on Marilyn's Statue
The statue of Marilyn isZamami IslandThis is a statue modeled after Marilyn, a white female dog, that was erected in [location].
Let's start by looking at the basic information.
Location and Directions
The statue of Marilyn is located at Zamami Port on Zamami Island,About a 15-minute walkIt's located along the coast.
It takes about 50 minutes by high-speed boat and about 2 hours by ferry from Tomari Port in Naha to reach Zamami Port.
If you walk along the breakwater where you can see the sunset from the harbor, you'll come across the statue of Marilyn.
There are roads on the island, but the size of the settlements isCompactSo, it's easy enough to get around on foot or by rental bike.
Since Zamami Port can get crowded depending on the time of day, it’s a good idea to check the high-speed boat and ferry schedules in advance.
◆Directions: About a 15-minute walk from Zamami Port
▼ For more information about Zamami Island, click here▼.
Tour held on Zamami Island
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The Background to the Statue's Construction
The statue of Marilyn is,A True Love Story About DogsIt was built to preserve it for future generations.
It is based on a true story about Shiro, a male dog from Aka Island, who swam across the sea to meet Marilyn, a female dog living on Zamami Island on the opposite shore.
His noble and selfless demeanor touched the hearts of many, and his story continues to be passed down through this statue to this day.
For the islanders, too, the story of Shiro and Marilyn isA Special PersonIt has been cherished as such.
The statue stands facing the ocean where Marilyn once waited, and its appearance—as if she were still waiting for Shiro—is striking.
Visiting Hours and Admission Fees
Since the statue of Marilyn is located outdoors, there are no restrictions on visiting hours.
There is no chargeAnd one of the best things about it is that you can visit anytime.
If you visit in the evening,Along with the sunsetI highly recommend taking a look at the statue.
Since there aren't any major lighting fixtures in the area, please watch your step if you visit at night.
What Is the True Story "I Want to Meet Marilyn"?
What kind of story is it?
The true story that inspired the statue of Marilyn touched the hearts of many people.A Heartwarming StoryIt is.
Let's take a closer look at the story here.
Story Synopsis
The protagonist of the story was raised on Aka IslandShiro, the male dogIt is.
Shiro fell in love with Marilyn, a female dog on the opposite shore on Zamami Island, and, driven by his desire to see her, swam across the sea.
That distance is approximately3 kilogramsIt is said that the sea was dangerous, with waves reaching great heights and strong currents.
Although Aka Island and Zamami Island are relatively close to each other within the Kerama Islands, swimming across the sea between them is stillIt's not an easy taskI am sure you will.
Even so, it is said that Shiro crossed the sea time and time again and continued to visit Marilyn.
The Protagonist and Marilyn's First Meeting
The exact details of how Shiro and Marilyn met are not entirely clear.
However, Shiro...Crossing the sea time and time again...It is reported that he had gone to see Marilyn.
That single-minded determination isWell-regarded even among the islandersIt seems that's how it turned out.
It is said that fishermen and island residents had regularly spotted Shiro swimming across the sea to Zamami Island.
A Real-Life Accident and Its Aftermath
In the true story, Marilyn was involved in a car accident one day and lost her life.
After that, Shiro managed to find the spot where Marilyn was buried on his own, andI didn't leave that spot for a while.It is said that...
This heartbreaking story really brought tears to the eyes of many people.
The sight of Shiro, who continues to stay by her side even after losing someone dear to her, has touched many people"True Love"It gave me something to think about.
It is said that this true story spread by word of mouth from island to island and eventually came to be featured in many media outlets.
The Charm of the Movie "I Want to Meet Marilyn"
This true story is1988 (Showa 63)It was adapted into a movie and became a huge hit.
We’ll also highlight some of the film’s must-see moments!
The Background of the Film Adaptation
Moved by this true story, the production team brought the story of Shiro and Marilyn to life in the film *I Want to Meet Marilyn*.
It was a huge hit when it was releasedAs a result, the Kerama Islands in Okinawa became widely known as the setting for the story.
It is said that this movie has led to an increase in the number of tourists visiting the Kerama Islands.
Although it is based on a true story, as a film...Dramatic stagingAnother highlight is the fact that it has been added.
How to Watch the Stream
"I Want to See Marilyn" may be available to watch on streaming services.
If it hasn't been released yet,Rent a DVDWe also recommend doing this.
If you use a home delivery rental service, you can easily rent items from the comfort of your own home.
If you watch this once before your trip, when you visit the destination,The experience becomes even more movingI am sure you will!
The Message Conveyed by the Ending
The story has a bittersweet ending, but within it...The Importance of Devoted Love and Bondsis depicted.
Through Shiro's actions, this work allows us to appreciate the preciousness of the love we feel for our family and partners.
Not merely as a sad ending, but as a work that makes us want to cherish the time we spend with those who are dear to us,Popular among people of all agesIt continues to be done.
About the Dog Who Inspired Marilyn
Marilyn and Shiro served as models forA Real DogThere are some.
Let's take a closer look at that dog here.
What breeds are Marilyn and Shiro?
Model Dog Profile
The dog that served as the model for Marilyn was kept on Zamami Island.White Female DogIt is.
Meanwhile, his co-star, Shiro, was a male dog raised on Aka Island, and as his name suggests,Characterized by its white coatIt is reported that this was the case.
Although there are no clear records of either breed, they were kept on the islandMixed-breed dogIt seems that was the case.
It is said that on remote islands at that time, these mixed-breed dogs were often cherished as guard dogs or local favorites.
Why It Was Loved in Okinawa
The story of Shiro and Marilyn is,The sight of two people who care for each other, even when apart...resonated with many people.
It seems that statues and stories based on true events are still cherished by the people of Okinawa today.
Among the locals, even today, the statue of Marilyn isFlowers and OfferingsApparently, you can sometimes see people offering [...].
Nearby Sightseeing Spots
After visiting the statue of Marilyn,Nearby Sightseeing SpotsWhy not check those out as well?
Zamami Island is dotted with beautiful beaches and other attractions, so you can take your time exploring the whole island!
Ama Beach
Aman Beach is a quiet beach on Zamami Island, located within walking distance of the Marilyn statue.
crystal-clear seaIt's a popular spot for snorkeling!
The waves are calm most days, so even families with young children can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.
Access: 3 minutes by car from Zamami Port
Snorkeling on Zamami Island!
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Kerama Islands Snorkeling Tour
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Kozamami Beach
Kozamami Beach isThe most beautiful beach on Zamami IslandAnd the color of the sea, known as "Kerama Blue," is a major attraction.
You can get there by bus or rental bike from the port, and it's a great spot for swimming, too.
There are also many snorkeling and diving tours available, soThe Underwater World Unique to the Kerama IslandsBe sure to give it a try!
Access: 3 minutes by car from Zamami Port
▼Click here for recommended diving tours on Zamami Island▼
Kerama Islands Diving Tour
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"Shiro's Statue" on Aka Island
The statue of Shiro, Marilyn’s co-star, is,Aka Island on the opposite shoreThe following is located in the
You can reach it by boat from Zamami Island, and it’s a popular spot that many people visit along with the Marilyn statue.
White's statue is...Near the Aka Port TerminalIt is located there, and its appearance—as if gazing toward Zamami Island on the opposite shore—is striking.
Access: 1 minute walk from Aka Port
Aka Island Tour
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Regarding the Statue of Marilyn
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The statue of Marilyn is located on Zamami Island in Okinawa Prefecture. It stands along the coast, about a 15-minute walk from Zamami Port. Zamami Island is accessible by high-speed ferry from Tomari Port in Naha in about 50 minutes.
Yes, it's a story based on a true story. It's based on the true story of Shiro, a male dog from Aka Island, who swam across the sea to meet Marilyn, a female dog on Zamami Island.
You may be able to watch it on a video streaming service. Availability may vary depending on the time of year, so please check the latest information on each service before watching. If it's not available for streaming, we also recommend renting the DVD to watch it.
summary
The statue of Marilyn depicts dogs...Unwavering LoveThese are spots on Zamami Island in Okinawa that are connected to true stories.
If you visit the statue after learning about the story behind it, you'll find the experience even more moving.
NearbyBeautiful BeachesBe sure to enjoy your trip to Zamami Island as well!
▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this one.
