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Graffiti on the painted wall of Shinjuku “Shinjuku Dade” in Tokyo: A regretful disappearance of an anime holy land
In Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, Japan, there is an elevated bridge called “Shinjuku Dade”. Originally, there was a painted wall full of childlike charm, depicting cute animals such as rabbits and cats. Recently, this wall has sparked discussions and regrets among netizens due to graffiti.
This wall is not only a local artwork created to prevent graffiti, but also a “holy land” in the hearts of many anime fans due to its appearance in the animated movie “Weathering”.
The origin of painted walls: from preventing graffiti to becoming a holy land of animation
The story of this painted wall can be traced back to 2011, when the Shinjuku Police Department and Shinjuku Ward Office decided to paint some painted works on the walls below the elevated bridge to prevent street graffiti. This plan invited students from multiple universities and technical schools to participate, including NabeJill, a student from Takarazuka University. He and a junior were responsible for drawing the draft, which was then colored by several elementary school students to complete the artwork.
I was startled, the wall on the left with rabbits and cats on it was painted by me
In July 2019, after the release of director Makoto Shinkai’s animated film “Weathering”, Nagisa was pleasantly surprised to find that the wall painting she had drawn appeared in the movie.
This discovery made him feel extremely proud and also made this painted wall a “holy land” in the hearts of anime fans.
The regrettable graffiti incident: finally eroded after 13 years
However, recently this wall has unfortunately encountered graffiti, and we can no longer see those cute animal patterns.
After the news of graffiti spread, many netizens lamented that despite this warm painted wall, it still could not prevent those who disrespect public spaces. Some anime fans who have not yet made a pilgrimage deeply regret this and lament that another animation holy land has disappeared.
I heard that this painted wall is covered by graffiti and can no longer be seen. However, I also found that this painted wall has left memories in the hearts of many people beyond my imagination, which makes me very happy. I hope that in the future, beautiful paintings can be painted here again
As the original author, なべじる expressed his complex feelings about this matter. He expressed on social media that although he regrets the graffiti on the wall painting, he is also happy that this work can leave a deep memory in so many people’s hearts.
Actually, many walls around me have been gradually eroded by graffiti, so I understand that it’s only a matter of time before this wall suffers. Being able to hold on for 13 years is already impressive! I am truly grateful
He exclaimed, ‘Being able to hold on for 13 years is already impressive! I am truly grateful.’ He also hopes to have the opportunity to paint new beautiful paintings in this place in the future.
Thank you for 13 years
The Protection and Loss of Animation Holy Land
This incident has made us rethink that the real-life scenes in animation are not just a part of virtual stories, they carry the emotions and memories of fans. When these scenes disappear for various reasons, fans’ reluctance and regret are understandable.
At the same time, this also reminds us that the existence of public art requires our common respect and maintenance. Whether it’s the “holy land” in animation or street art in reality, they are both a part of urban culture and a part of our lives. I hope that in the future, we can pay more attention to and cherish these precious cultural heritages, and not let them easily disappear.
Although the painted wall of Shinjuku Dade was damaged in the graffiti incident, it has brought warmth and happiness to countless people in the past 13 years, especially becoming a “holy land” in the hearts of anime fans in “Weathering with the Sun”. Despite the regret, this memory will continue to linger in people’s hearts and become an unforgettable and beautiful memory. I hope that in the future, this wall or other places can reproduce similar works of art, allowing more people to feel the power and charm of art in the city.