Nishiko no Nissy Octopus Monument

The Nishiko no Nissy octopus monument stands as a welcoming landmark at Himakajima West Port on Himakajima Island in Aichi Prefecture. This charming red octopus character sits atop a jar labeled "Welcome," greeting visitors with one of its eight legs raised, holding a fan. The monument received its name Nissy (also spelled Nisshy or Nisshi) in fall 2016 through a public naming contest. A companion monument called Gasshy stands at the island's East Port, and together they serve as the island's main tourist attractions.

Since the mid-1980s, Himakajima has promoted itself as "The Island of Octopuses", reflecting the central role octopus fishing plays in the local economy and culture. The island operates a preciously rare octopus trap pot fishery that hardly injures the octopus, allowing them to be landed fresh. Everywhere around the island, trap pots used by fishermen create a sightscape symbolizing Himakajima. The octopus theme extends throughout the island, with octopus-shaped manhole covers, an octopus-shaped police substation, and numerous restaurants serving local octopus specialties including sashimi, boiled octopus, and octopus shabu-shabu.

Visitors can photograph the monument immediately upon disembarking at West Port, where it serves as the first impression of the island. The 5.5-kilometer circumference island is easily explored on foot or by bicycle, with rental bicycles available at 540 yen per hour. The monument area also features the Hima-po waiting facility, which opened in 2019 and provides a tourist information center, ticketing counter, and restrooms.

To reach Himakajima Island, travelers can take the Meitetsu train from Nagoya Station to either Utsumi Station or Kowa Station. From Kowa Station, the port is a 10-minute walk, followed by a 20-minute ride on the Meitetsu Marine Sightseeing Boat. From Morozaki Port, accessible via bus from Utsumi Station, the boat journey takes approximately 10 minutes. By car, take the Minamichita Road to Toyooka Interchange, then drive 10 minutes to Morozaki Port. There is no admission fee to view the monument or explore the island's public areas.