Banksy is one of the most famous street artists in the world.
Banksy, who is said to have been born in the U.K., began his activities in the U.K. around 2000, and quickly became famous for his activities in conflict areas such as Palestine and Ukraine.
In this issue, we have gathered information about Banksy's works that have been seen in Japan.

Tweet from Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike

On January 17, 2019, politician Yuriko Koike posted a tweet that read, "There was a work in Tokyo that could be Banksy!" and drew a great deal of attention. Anticipating the uproar that would accompany this, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government removed the section in advance. It is now open to the public at the Hinode Pier 2 passenger waiting area.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has contacted Banksy, but he has never explicitly stated that he painted it. One reason may be that graffiti on public facilities is considered illegal, and if he admits to it, he may be held legally liable.
For the same reason, when he paints in various locations around the world, Banksy never allows anyone to see him.

Banksy (may be) paintings in various locations throughout Japan

At Futago Park in Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture, a painting of an ape man walking upright and holding what looks like a gun was painted on the wall of a public restroom in the park, and became a hot topic on social networking sites (SNS) as a possible Banksy painting. This was discovered in February 2019 and was crowded with onlookers.

Later, a painting similar to Banksy's work "Girl and Balloon" was also found on the seawall in Kujukuri-cho, Chiba Prefecture.

Also in January, a painting resembling a pink rat holding a bag and umbrella was found on an elevated curb near Hanshin-Nishinomiya Station in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, and in February, a painting of a rat holding an umbrella and bag was found at a skateboarding practice in Takamatsu, Japan.

Why are the finds concentrated in early 2019?

Why so many Banksy (?) in Japan? There is much debate as to why the works were discovered one after another.
As for the painting of the rat found on the seawall in Tokyo, it is almost an exact match to the one shown on Banksy's website (and it has been reversed left to right).

It is commonly believed that the painting may have been made during Banksy's visit to Japan in 2003, and the age of the ink, as well as the degree of conformity, make it certain that it is a genuine work of art.
Yoshitaka Mori, a professor of sociology at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, who is familiar with Banksy's work, said of his other works, "When Banksy paints, he prepares carefully, including researching the risk of arrest. He cannot just show up and paint on a whim," he said, adding that the likelihood of the works being genuine is low.
It is not known why the discoveries were concentrated at this time of year, but since the work sold at Sotheby's auction in 2018 caused a worldwide sensation when it was shredded at the same time it was sold, and the "Banksy Exhibition," which will tour the country from 2021, was first After the real one was found at the seawall, copycats may have occurred in various locations.

Also read.

Banksy's works and secrets explained! [Street Art



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