DORAGON of TONDABAYASHI

2024 / Tondabayashi / Osaka / Japan

"Dragon of Tondabayashi" 2024, , Tondabayashi, Osaka, Japan
Commissioned by city of Tondabayashi, Osaka 富田林市(大阪)
Curation by @wallshare
Approx. 6.5m x 60m

I painted a mural on the community center of Tondabayashi—also known as Rainbow Hall—located on an island in Awaga Pond. The center stands next to a shrine dedicated to a dragon said to cause disasters whenever it traveled to the neighboring lake to meet its partner, according to local legend.

Inspired by this myth, I created a dragon whose body is formed from local flora and fauna—bats, insects, birds, wildflowers, and flowing grass—symbolizing water, as dragons represent the water element in Japanese mythology.

I spent just over two weeks painting nearly every day and had wonderful conversations with locals and visitors who discovered the work through social media and local news. It was also the season for the Danjiri Festival, a vibrant celebration with dynamic mikoshi (portable shrine) processions, drums, and chants.

A huge thank you to @wallshare’s @taaaaaa36 and @rempei_90 for their support and friendship, and to the City of Tondabayashi for trusting me with this project.

📍レインボーホール(富田林市市民会館)
大阪府富田林市粟ケ池町2969-5
2969-5 Awagaikecho, Tondabayashi,Osaka