OSAKA -- A variety of huge, vividly colored murals have been spotted in parts of this western Japan city following the recent completion of a project involving artists based in and out of the country.

       Bakibaki, a 42-year-old artist working out of Osaka's Yodogawa Ward, initiated the "Yodokabe" project to cover the Yodogawa area in wall art that captivates passersby. The project was planned with mural production company Wall Share headed by Takanobu Kawazoe and also based in the city.

       A Florence Nightingale mural painted by Bakibaki is seen in the city of Osaka's Yodogawa Ward on Sept. 26, 2021. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

       In March, as part of a tribute to health care workers treating COVID-19 patients, Bakibaki painted a portrait of Florence Nightingale, a British nurse known as the founder of modern nursing, on the wall of a building next to the Yodogawa Ward Office with the ward's approval and cooperation. The mural caused a sensation that led to the birth of the Yodokabe project, with other wall owners coming forward to offer mural space.

       A crowdfunding campaign drew 5.7 million yen (roughly $50,160), nearly seven times its 800,000 yen (about $7,040) target. Organizers also received paint supplies from firms in the ward, and works for the project were created simultaneously by four artists and one duo from late September to mid-October.

       The featured murals employ various painting styles and methods. To ensure they will be admired for years to come, the artists devoted themselves to creating high-quality original works unconstrained by overseas trends.

       Instead of making the project a one-time event, organizers plan to up the amount of wall art in the ward while carrying it on until 2025, the year of the "Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan."

       "We'd like to connect people with art through the murals to bring about an exciting future. We also want to invite artists from overseas someday, and make the Yodogawa area into a place where artists move in."

       (Japanese original by Takao Kitamura, Osaka Photo Department)

       In Photos: Huge wall art brings splash of color to Osaka's Yodogawa area

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