The Global Canvas: “JAPAN WALLS” Project
“JAPAN WALLS” is the Japanese iteration of the renowned global art project “World Wide Walls,” which originated in Kaka’ako, Oahu, Hawaii. It has since expanded to 12 cities worldwide, including Japan and Taiwan. This year, the project celebrates its 10th anniversary, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the sister beach partnership between Shirahama and Waikiki, and the 5th anniversary of the Shirahama event. Eleven artists, including globally recognized Dragon76 from NY and Jack Soren from Hawaii, converged in Shirahama, weaving diverse artistic styles across the town’s seaside walls.
The Genesis of “Unit 20 Go”
The unit “20 Go” was formed specifically for “JAPAN WALLS 2025 in SHIRAHAMA.” While Matsumoto and Nakayama both graduated from the same university department, their different academic years meant they had no prior contact. Their connection began when Matsumoto casually visited Nakayama’s open atelier in New York, leading to a friendship that eventually saw them form the artist collective “Kopels” with other NY-based artists. The name “20 Go” (meaning “No. 20”) is a nostalgic nod to the “Building No. 20” on campus, where they both studied as first-year students in the Fine Arts Department.
Their challenge at the event was a large residential wall near Yanagibashi Street in Shirahama. The mural depicts Matsumoto’s character “ANDY the mouse,” created in 2023, and Nakayama’s “PonZ,” created in 2024, playing together in the same vibrant world. Reflecting the breezy Shirahama atmosphere, a sun-tanned “ANDY the mouse” wears an orange aloha shirt, while “PonZ” sports a cap reminiscent of the NY Mets’ colors. The composition seamlessly merges their individual styles.
During the creation process, local residents often paused to watch the two artists at work. Matsumoto expressed, “The unique charm of mural painting is that the artwork reaches people who don’t usually visit galleries.” Nakayama echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s truly rewarding to see art bring smiles to people’s faces,” after receiving words of gratitude from the community.
A Special Time of Artistic Collaboration
While typically working in their own studios, this project marked their first collaborative effort. After each day’s work, the artists enjoyed relaxed moments, chatting and discussing their progress with other participants. This relaxed atmosphere naturally fostered mutual assistance, with each artist lending a hand to the other’s part, a testament to the strong trust built over years of interaction.
Diverse Talents from Osaka Institutions
Adjacent to the “20 Go” mural, a piece by NY-based Dragon76, an alumnus of Osaka College of Art, was displayed. His world, blending disparate elements like “robots and humans” and “future and analog,” is born from a multicultural perspective unique to New York.
Nearby, CAB, also an Osaka College of Art alumnus, created vivid, uniquely expressive characters that harmonized with the seaside scenery. The warmth of his creative process was evident, drawing inspiration for his characters’ expressions from interactions with local residents.
ERI2WIN, another Osaka University of Arts graduate who has been involved with JAPAN WALLS since 2022, also participated. This year, they utilized the uneven texture of corrugated iron sheets to depict a portal leading to another world.
Artists Share Candid Thoughts in a Talk Live Event
On October 31, 2025, a special talk live event commemorating Shirahama’s 5th anniversary was held, bringing together active local artists and past participants. They shared candid stories of mishaps during overseas productions and the communities forged through mural art. A shared sentiment emerged: “Even with language barriers, if we share the same passion for painting, we can connect.” This underlined how mural festivals foster a culture of cooperation rather than competition.
The panel included hitch from the painter duo WHOLE9, yoshi47, Louise Ono, Dragon76, CAB, Seiji Matsumoto, and Masaya Nakayama.
Artist Profiles
Seiji Matsumoto
A graduate of the Osaka University of Arts Fine Arts Department, Seiji Matsumoto has established his atelier in the foothills of Nagano Prefecture after working in Tokyo and New York. He expresses his unique worldview across various fields, transcending the boundaries of art, illustration, and graphic design. His works have been showcased in solo exhibitions and art events in cities such as Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, and Milan.
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Official Website: http://seijimatsumoto.com/
Masaya Nakayama
Masaya Nakayama, also a graduate of the Osaka University of Arts Fine Arts Department, moved to the United States in 2012. He gained recognition in 2019 after creating a mural for Brooklyn Brewery, a pioneer in craft beer. Based in Brooklyn, he works as a contemporary artist, exhibiting his pieces in galleries, museums, and art fairs both domestically and internationally. He is also active in diverse genres, including corporate office murals and live painting events.
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Official Website: https://www.masayanakayama.com/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msynkyma/
Event Overview
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Event Name: “JAPAN WALLS 2025 in SHIRAHAMA”
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Dates: October 27 (Monday) – November 2 (Sunday), 2025
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Venue: Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture
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Co-organizer: Shirarahama-Waikiki Beach Friendship Sister Beach 25th Anniversary Project Executive Committee
This event not only celebrated the milestones of the “JAPAN WALLS” project and the sister beach partnership but also showcased the vibrant spirit of artistic collaboration, hinting at a future where art continues to bridge communities and inspire smiles across the globe.
