“Indian Summer” by Chełmoński on a mural in Osaka – an intercultural dialogue of artists at Expo 2025

The mural in Osaka was created by Hitch – a young Japanese artist collaborating with the collective WALLSHARE, which identifies building walls and invites creators from around the world to develop their original projects. His artistic vision was inspired by the famous painting “Indian Summer” by Józef Chełmoński, the Polish master of landscape and lyrical realism.

The ceremonial unveiling of the Polish–Japanese mural on September 4 at 9:00 a.m., near Nishikujo Station, marked the opening of Poland. Culture Week at Expo 2025.

“We began the day dedicated to Polish painting at the site of a newly created mural – a contemporary reinterpretation of Józef Chełmoński’s Indian Summer by a Japanese artist. We are convinced that everyone in Osaka who sees this work – both passers-by and visitors to Poland Pavilion – will be delighted and inspired to continue their journey with Poland,” said Marta Zielińska, Deputy Commissioner General of the Polish Section at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

“I would like this mural to serve as a painterly and poetic space between the past and the present, between landscape and city. I hope my work will inspire the people of Osaka to take a greater interest in Polish culture. If that happens, it will be my greatest joy and satisfaction,” emphasized Hitch during the unveiling ceremony.

The artist currently lives and works in Osaka. He has been fascinated by street art since childhood. In 2007, he began creating paintings on canvas as well as murals. His works are distinguished by their realistic depictions of people, animals, and plants. Diversity is the central theme of Hitch’s artistic work.

The “Indian Summer” mural can be viewed in Osaka at: 1 Chome-22-12 Nishikujo, Konohana Ward.

Osaka – Białystok: unfolding an artistic dialogue

Hitch’s mural, unveiled on September 4 in Osaka, marks the next chapter in the artistic dialogue between street artists from Poland and Japan.

In August 2024, a Polish mural by Aleksandra Czudżak was created in Osaka, with support from WALLSHARE (address: 2 Chome-18-8 Asahi, Konohana Ward). Its central theme reflects the motto of Poland Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai: “Heritage that Drives the Future”. The mural depicts a young girl holding a children’s pinwheel. The flow of her breath forms a musical staff that sets the pinwheel in motion, highlighting the importance of music in Polish culture. From above, the shape of the pinwheel resembles Poland Pavilion at the Expo. The project is meant to evoke positive childhood memories while also giving a glimpse of the experiences awaiting visitors at Poland Pavilion.

Also in the summer of 2024, the Japanese artist Kohei Yamao, known as BAKIBAKI, created a mural in Białystok on the building of the Marshal’s Office (1 Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego Street). His composition – two abstract plants twisting upward – symbolizes the mutual growth and cooperation between Poland and Japan, with patterns inspired by traditional Japanese motifs and the logo of Poland Pavilion. When unveiling the mural in Białystok, BAKIBAKI expressed his hope that the city’s residents would come to appreciate his work and that it would become a permanent part of the cityscape, serving as a positive symbol reminiscent of a Japanese dragon ascending into the sky.

A testament to friendship and an invitation to the future

The newest mural in Osaka, inspired by the painting “Indian Summer”, is an artistic tribute by the WALLSHARE collective and Hitch to the painterly heritage of Józef Chełmoński. At the same time, it serves as an invitation for the people of Osaka to engage with Polish art and get to know Poland better. Following last year’s murals in Białystok and Osaka, it represents another symbolic, intercultural bridge between Poland and Japan.

The creators of the project, carried out as part of Poland. Culture Week at Expo 2025, hope that the new mural in the heart of Osaka – accessible to all residents – will become a testament to friendship and the growing cooperation between the two nations.