Nippon Paint Partners in Nationwide Urban Art Project to Eliminate Graffiti
In a commendable community initiative, Nippon Paint Co., Ltd. has joined forces with various local organizations to launch the "Eradicating Graffiti and Creating Mural Art" event. This project took place under the elevated tracks of Nogata Station in Nakano City, Tokyo, from July 26 to August 8, 2025. The primary goal was to enhance the area's aesthetic quality while ensuring safety for local residents, all facilitated by the company's support with paints and active employee participation.
The initiative was conceived following ongoing issues with graffiti along the walls beneath Nogata Station, which had significantly detracted from the neighborhood's image and raised concerns about public safety. With the local police, the Nogata Police Station, leading the charge, the event aimed to not only beautify the area but also to engage local youth in artistic endeavors that cultivate a sense of community pride and awareness around art.
Collaborating closely with a myriad of partners—including the Nakano City Office, the Tokyo Third Construction Office, the Nakano branch of the Tokyo Painting Industry Association, and local businesses such as Morishoji Co., Ltd.—Nippon Paint helped organize this community-driven project. The preparations involved thorough cleaning and washing of the graffiti-covered walls, setting the stage for the upcoming artistic transformations.
During the event, lasting two weeks under the vigilant supervision of the Nogata Police Station, project participants engaged in various stages including surface preparation, priming, and the final painting. Approximately 70 people, including residents and staff from Seibu Railway Co., eagerly participated in hands-on painting workshops led by professionals from the painting association and Nippon Paint. Participants expressed their enthusiasm; many were quoted saying, "This is so fun! I love painting and want to do more!"
Notably, students from Midorino Junior High School contributed by designing the mural, conceptualizing vibrant images inspired by the sky. Together with children from Midorino Elementary School and Kitahara Elementary School, around 20 young artists contributed to the mural, which spans approximately 10 meters wide and 2.5 meters high. The mural features illustrations of hot air balloons, balloons, bubbles, and frogs, symbolizing the community's desire to eliminate graffiti and foster a more inviting atmosphere.
The unveiling event showcased the completed mural, with remarks from police station chief Hiroshi Maeda and Nakano city mayor Naoto Sakai expressing appreciation for the collaborative efforts and the community's role in the project. As a symbolic gesture, project stakeholders added finishing touches to the mural before it was officially revealed. The previously graffiti-ridden underpass has now transformed into a bright and welcoming space, allowing locals to walk through with newfound confidence and comfort.
Media coverage of the event extended its reach, with various television networks and newspapers highlighting the collaborative endeavor. The recognition by the local police department further underscores the importance of this initiative, with gratitude expressed for the community’s effort in advocating for a safer and more aesthetically pleasing environment. Takeyuki, the head of the Nakano branch of the Tokyo Painting Industry Association, emphasized the significance of community involvement and the sense of fulfillment derived from this collaborative effort.
Masaru Mori, the executive director of Morishoji Co., Ltd., enthusiastically shared his experience, stating, "Participating in this project allowed us to feel the community's passionate desire to beautify our neighborhood. It's rewarding to see the graffiti disappear and a colorful mural emerge, contributing to a safer urban space."
Continuing in the spirit of social responsibility, Nippon Paint plans to further engage in projects that spread joy through the medium of paint. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, now known as the "HAPPY PAINT PROJECT," began in 2017 and has successfully hosted 171 events nationwide up until June 2025, engaging more than 10,900 participants. Through such events, Nippon Paint aims not only to enhance local communities and support educational endeavors for children but also to spread the happiness associated with painting while addressing societal challenges.
To follow more about this initiative and stay updated on future events, interested individuals can visit the CSR activities page at Nippon Paint CSR or check out the Instagram account @happypaintproject_nipponpaint.
The initiative was conceived following ongoing issues with graffiti along the walls beneath Nogata Station, which had significantly detracted from the neighborhood's image and raised concerns about public safety. With the local police, the Nogata Police Station, leading the charge, the event aimed to not only beautify the area but also to engage local youth in artistic endeavors that cultivate a sense of community pride and awareness around art.
Collaborating closely with a myriad of partners—including the Nakano City Office, the Tokyo Third Construction Office, the Nakano branch of the Tokyo Painting Industry Association, and local businesses such as Morishoji Co., Ltd.—Nippon Paint helped organize this community-driven project. The preparations involved thorough cleaning and washing of the graffiti-covered walls, setting the stage for the upcoming artistic transformations.
During the event, lasting two weeks under the vigilant supervision of the Nogata Police Station, project participants engaged in various stages including surface preparation, priming, and the final painting. Approximately 70 people, including residents and staff from Seibu Railway Co., eagerly participated in hands-on painting workshops led by professionals from the painting association and Nippon Paint. Participants expressed their enthusiasm; many were quoted saying, "This is so fun! I love painting and want to do more!"
Notably, students from Midorino Junior High School contributed by designing the mural, conceptualizing vibrant images inspired by the sky. Together with children from Midorino Elementary School and Kitahara Elementary School, around 20 young artists contributed to the mural, which spans approximately 10 meters wide and 2.5 meters high. The mural features illustrations of hot air balloons, balloons, bubbles, and frogs, symbolizing the community's desire to eliminate graffiti and foster a more inviting atmosphere.
The unveiling event showcased the completed mural, with remarks from police station chief Hiroshi Maeda and Nakano city mayor Naoto Sakai expressing appreciation for the collaborative efforts and the community's role in the project. As a symbolic gesture, project stakeholders added finishing touches to the mural before it was officially revealed. The previously graffiti-ridden underpass has now transformed into a bright and welcoming space, allowing locals to walk through with newfound confidence and comfort.
Media coverage of the event extended its reach, with various television networks and newspapers highlighting the collaborative endeavor. The recognition by the local police department further underscores the importance of this initiative, with gratitude expressed for the community’s effort in advocating for a safer and more aesthetically pleasing environment. Takeyuki, the head of the Nakano branch of the Tokyo Painting Industry Association, emphasized the significance of community involvement and the sense of fulfillment derived from this collaborative effort.
Masaru Mori, the executive director of Morishoji Co., Ltd., enthusiastically shared his experience, stating, "Participating in this project allowed us to feel the community's passionate desire to beautify our neighborhood. It's rewarding to see the graffiti disappear and a colorful mural emerge, contributing to a safer urban space."
Continuing in the spirit of social responsibility, Nippon Paint plans to further engage in projects that spread joy through the medium of paint. The corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, now known as the "HAPPY PAINT PROJECT," began in 2017 and has successfully hosted 171 events nationwide up until June 2025, engaging more than 10,900 participants. Through such events, Nippon Paint aims not only to enhance local communities and support educational endeavors for children but also to spread the happiness associated with painting while addressing societal challenges.
To follow more about this initiative and stay updated on future events, interested individuals can visit the CSR activities page at Nippon Paint CSR or check out the Instagram account @happypaintproject_nipponpaint.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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