On the 16th, West Japan Railway Company announced the launch of the "Osaka Station West Area Art Project (Tentative Name)," involving multiple creators producing public art. Among the participants is Hirohiko Araki, the renowned creator of the popular manga series "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure." Araki will create his first public art piece themed around the "Fountain Boy," a former symbol of Osaka Station.

The project aims to display various artworks in the west side area of Osaka Station, providing visitors with everyday art experiences, thereby fostering cultural and business development and spurring innovation in Osaka. Araki's artwork will be installed in the new station building "Inogate Osaka," opening on July 31. The piece pays homage to the station's history and tradition by thematically focusing on the "Fountain Boy," which was a symbol of Osaka Station for 103 years and is now preserved at the Kyoto Railway Museum.

Araki was chosen for this project because his work, which has consistently showcased protagonists overcoming their times, perfectly aligns with the historical legacy of the "Fountain Boy." Through Araki's first venture into public art, the project aims to evoke a sense of "timelessness transcending eras" and inspire new creativity in the west side area of Osaka Station.

Hirohiko Araki Interview

Q: Why did you decide to participate in this project?

A: I thought it was romantic and wonderful that the "Fountain Boy," once a symbol of Osaka Station and now stored at the Kyoto Railway Museum, would see the light of day again. So, I accepted the offer.

Q: What are your thoughts behind the design of the "Fountain Boy"?

A: Fountains are all about water, which circulates. Water falls, flows into rivers, reaches the sea, evaporates, and comes back around again. I wanted to incorporate this cycle of water into the design.

Q: The project has strengthened the bond between Osaka and yourself. If you were to set a story in Osaka, what kind of story and characters would you create?

A: It has to be about food, right? In "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure," there's a character named Tonio Trussardi. Characters and stands like his, perhaps involving gourmet battles, would be great for a story set in Osaka.

Source : ORICON NEWS