Visitors to Kitakyushu Airport (Fukuoka Prefecture) might be surprised to see Maetel from the manga and anime "Galaxy Express 999!" She is on hand to watch over everyone during their travels. You won't able to miss her distinctive long blonde hair and black outfit as you enter the airport!

The "Galaxy Express 999" revolves around the adventures of a boy called Tetsuro who embarks on a journey in outer space alongside Maetel. The work was created by Matsumoto Leiji, a famous manga artist who has close ties with Kitakyushu City. This is one of the reasons why his characters can be found in the local area! Depictions of Maetel can be found in various parts of Kitakyushu Airport. You can find her in illuminated advertisement boards inside the terminal. She also popped up in the design used for a manhole cover outside the front entrance. The manhole appeared in 2018 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Kitakyushu's sewage system. In March 2021, a life-sized sculpture of Maetel was put up in the departure lobby on the second floor to celebrate 15 years since Kitakyushu Airport first opened. Seeing her dignified expression before you depart is pretty awesome! Make sure to keep an eye out for Maetel when you are next at Kitakyushu Airport! (Editorial Dept.: Nika)