Lineage of Hope

Arist: BAKIBAKI

Utagawa Kuniyoshi was re-evaluated as an avant-garde painter in The Lineage of Eccentricity, published in 1970. This work, inspired by his Sanuki-in’s Retainers Rescuing Tametomo, merges traditional Japanese patterns with BAKI designs—a fusion of subcultures—and is painted on Yumeshima, overlooking Osaka Bay.
Although mural art has struggled to take root in Japan, this is beginning to change, particularly in Osaka. From Ukiyo-e to Manga, Sekiga to Mural—popular art has always evolved. By revisiting the essence of artistic expression on the eve of Japan’s historic opening to the world, this work aims to showcase a distinctive cultural identity. May the hopes passed down by our predecessors spark meaningful cultural exchanges with visitors from all over the world.