Street art can breathe new life into public spaces, transforming blank walls into vibrant canvases. But it’s more than just decoration. When created with intention, it can reflect a community’s cultural values and identity, and help strengthen the connection between people and place. While murals remain relatively uncommon in Japan, interest is growing – especially in Osaka’s Konohana ward, where a new street art festival is making its debut this month.
The Enoen Festival will take over Konohana’s Shikanjima Sumiyoshi Shrine on Saturday, September 27, for a day of art, live music, street food and wholesome family fun. Alongside celebrating the town’s 25 existing murals – created by local and international artists from more than 20 countries over the past two years – the festival will also unveil five new murals painted during an artist residency running from September 21–28 in Konohana’s Baika district.
At the heart of Konohana’s emerging street art scene is Wall Share, an organisation established in 2020 with a mission to transform Osaka’s urban landscape with bold, colourful murals. Since launching the Mural Town Konohana initiative in September 2023, Wall Share has invited local and international street artists to participate in an art residency programme, where they create captivating murals across the Yodogawa and Konohana wards during their stay in Japan.
In the week leading up to the Enoen Festival, five new murals will be painted live in the Baika district near the shrine. This offers a rare opportunity for the public to watch artists at work. The participating artists – Speto (Brazil), Iker Muro and Lula Goce (Spain), Ill.Des (Romania/USA) and Fonki (Cambodia/Canada/France) – are internationally recognised for their distinctive styles and contributions to contemporary street art.
Meanwhile, at the shrine, where the main festivities are held, there will be a live music stage with performances throughout the day. Highlights include Keizo Machine, a music producer for the Osaka Expo known for his blend of live remixes and finger drumming, and renowned Japanese vocalist Keyco. Other performers include Hitoshi Kiyomura, Masayo Konesu, Hachika and Katsumi Ueoka.
The festival is designed with all ages in mind. Families can also join in the fun with interactive, kid-friendly activities including a stamp rally and daruma painting workshop.
Ahead of the main event, on Tuesday September 23 (a public holiday), a DIY Festival Décor Workshop will be held from 2pm to 4pm at Shikanjima Sumiyoshi Shrine. Hosted by Wall Share, this community event invites participants to help decorate the music stage using recycled materials, giving everyone a chance to get involved in the festival’s creative process.
On the same day, there will also be a one-hour walking tour to explore the town’s murals. Details of these two pre-festival events will be announced on the festival’s social media channels.
The Enoen Festival runs from 11am to 8pm on Saturday, September 27. Admission is free. For details, visit the festival website.
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