A bronze statue at Momiji High School has become popular for a strange reason.

Students say the statue of the first principal looks like it is asking for selfies.

The statue has one hand in the air. For many years, teachers said the hand meant “study hard.” Students now say it means “take a photo with me.”

During lunch break, more than fifty students stood around the statue with their phones.

A teacher tried to stop them, but then the teacher took one photo too.

“The principal looks strict, but the angle is perfect,” one student said.

The school says the statue has not changed. However, a cleaning worker said the bronze face looks a little happier than before.

The student council has made simple rules. Students must not climb the statue. They must also let the statue rest during exams.

The school is now thinking about making a photo line on the ground.

The statue was not available for comment.