From 'Mr. Giants' to 'Mr. Professional Baseball': A Portrait of Shigeo Nagashima Evolving Through Time

The Evolution of a Legend: Shigeo Nagashima

On July 1, 2024, OVER ALLs, a mural art company based in Minato, Tokyo, revealed an updated mural of the iconic professional baseball player Shigeo Nagashima at the Tokyo Mural Square in Aoyama. This piece, known as the 11.5th installment, builds upon the previous work known as "Mr. Star" that debuted in June and presents a new artistic interpretation of Nagashima's later years.

Nagashima, often referred to as "Mr. Professional Baseball," has been a beloved figure in Japanese sports, known for his charisma and passion for the game. While the earlier mural captured him during his vibrant playing days, the new rendition reflects the gentler, more thoughtful expressions that characterize his later life. This transition from the spirited athlete to a revered elder also embodies the warm regard that fans hold for him.

In a novel and delicate approach, the updated mural can be seen as a visual testament to the passage of time, focusing not only on Nagashima's facial expressions but also on weaving his history into the artwork—allowing viewers to witness the subtle changes in his features over the years. This artistic choice aims to evoke nostalgia, creating a connection with those who remember his glory days, while also serving as an introduction for younger generations to this legendary figure of Japanese baseball. The mural thus becomes a bridge that connects past memories with future narratives, a visual storytelling experience that emphasizes the emotional and historical significance of Nagashima’s legacy.

Tokyo Mural Square continues to champion the idea of art as a medium of storytelling and media, akin to the iconic Times Square in New York, where walls serve as canvases for culturally relevant and socially impactful art. As the wall evolves, it reflects both current events and the collective memory of society.

Overview of the Artwork

- Title: 11.5th Installment: "Mr. Star"
- Location: Tokyo Mural Square, 2-26-35 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Outer wall of OVER ALLs headquarters)
- Completion Date: Scheduled for July 1, 2025

As part of a dynamic artistic series, previous installments have included portraits of notable figures such as President Donald Trump and renowned manga artist Akira Toriyama and are slated to continue with the likes of Tamori and political figure Shinjiro Koizumi. The next portrayal is set to be adjusted at the end of July 2025, contingent on current events and news cycles.

About OVER ALLs

Founded by Gakuto Akazawa alongside fellow artist Yuuki Yamamoto, OVER ALLs aims to transform the perspectives of individuals and organizations through the power of murals. With a mission to revive dreams and hopes that have been lost in the societal narrative of Japan's recent history, the company conducts thorough research and interviews to bring to life the aspirations and stories of its subjects, resulting in extraordinary wall art that resonates with the public. Recent high-profile works include murals of MLB stars Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish for Escon Field Hokkaido, and the "FUTABA Art District" murals featuring the faces of residents of Futaba town, who are on a path to recovery after the East Japan Earthquake. Akazawa takes the lead in producing these significant pieces, while Yamamoto, the main artist and champion of ART BATTLE JAPAN 2018, continuously brings his unique creativity to the canvas.

With recognition across various media platforms, including renowned programs like "Jounetsu Tairiku" and "News Zero," OVER ALLs remains committed to using art as a powerful tool for expression and communication. For more information about their projects, visit their website or follow them on social media.