New Mosaics Unveiled: 1,600 People Create Art at Tennoji Zoo
On February 3, 2026, Tennoji Zoo in Osaka proudly unveiled a permanent mosaic art exhibition created through the collaboration of 1,600 visitors. This colorful installation, titled "Hō-chan and Gaō," showcases the talents and creativity of both children and adults, transforming discarded materials from nursing and therapy services into beautiful artwork. The project first took shape during a sustainability event called "SDGzoo" held in November 2025, aimed at promoting awareness about environmental issues and fostering community engagement.
The collaboration was spearheaded by eWell Inc., a company based in Osaka, dedicated to improving the quality and efficiency of home nursing care through digital transformation. Partnering with the Rinie Group, which operates nursing and caregiving services on a national scale, this project aimed to merge art with social responsibility. The vibrant mosaic features beloved zoo animals: Hō-chan, a polar bear, and Gaō, a lion, providing an engaging entrance for visitors at the new "Shinsekai Gate" of the zoo.
The creation process was lively and engaging, with community members of all ages contributing their artistic visions. Medical waste and household discarded items were creatively repurposed into an expressive art piece, highlighting the importance of recycling and sustainable practices. This not only informed participants about responsible resource management but also connected them with the critical themes of access to healthcare and welfare initiatives in their community.
The official unveiling saw an enthusiastic response from the first visitors, with comments such as "It's wonderful!" and "Very good!" from international tourists, indicating the global appreciation for the initiative. This art installation is now a symbol of hope and engagement, linking the local community, healthcare issues, and environmental sustainability.
Kimiya Kijima from Tennoji Zoo shared, "When I first heard that the artwork would be donated to us, I was astonished. The fact that visitor contributions led to such a beautiful mosaic, placed in a prominent position, is very exciting. The details, such as Gaō's mane and the creative use of bottle caps, have truly been brought to life. It's amazing how everyone who participated can now share their experiences and knowledge about this project."
The significance of the mosaic art transcends mere aesthetics; it embodies a collective commitment to enhancing sustainability and community interaction. It is hoped that visitors will not only admire the artwork but also understand the role they can play in creating a sustainable future. This project represents a significant opportunity to engage with the core mission of eWell: to improve lives through technology and community involvement.
Moving forward, eWell will continue to foster similar initiatives, aiming to educate the public about the importance of resource circulation through enjoyable and creative means. The exhibition at Tennoji Zoo serves as a living demonstration of the potential impact of community cooperation on significant social issues. Visitors are encouraged to come and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and impactful narratives linked to the artwork created by their fellow citizens. Each visit enhances the collective spirit of responsibility towards the environment and community welfare, contributing to the shared vision of a society where everyone can live in peace and safety.
To learn more about the exhibits and eWell’s other initiatives, visitors can explore their respective websites. Whether it's through the vibrant pieces in Tennoji Zoo or digital tools supporting various healthcare initiatives, the mission remains the same: to connect people, care for lives, and inspire a sustainable future. Don’t miss the chance to visit and see the colossal impact of 1,600 contributing hearts showcased in this mosaic of hope and collaboration. This art piece transforms not only the animal adventures at Tennoji Zoo but offers an emblematic reminder of how we all can create positive change in our communities.
The collaboration was spearheaded by eWell Inc., a company based in Osaka, dedicated to improving the quality and efficiency of home nursing care through digital transformation. Partnering with the Rinie Group, which operates nursing and caregiving services on a national scale, this project aimed to merge art with social responsibility. The vibrant mosaic features beloved zoo animals: Hō-chan, a polar bear, and Gaō, a lion, providing an engaging entrance for visitors at the new "Shinsekai Gate" of the zoo.
The creation process was lively and engaging, with community members of all ages contributing their artistic visions. Medical waste and household discarded items were creatively repurposed into an expressive art piece, highlighting the importance of recycling and sustainable practices. This not only informed participants about responsible resource management but also connected them with the critical themes of access to healthcare and welfare initiatives in their community.
The official unveiling saw an enthusiastic response from the first visitors, with comments such as "It's wonderful!" and "Very good!" from international tourists, indicating the global appreciation for the initiative. This art installation is now a symbol of hope and engagement, linking the local community, healthcare issues, and environmental sustainability.
Kimiya Kijima from Tennoji Zoo shared, "When I first heard that the artwork would be donated to us, I was astonished. The fact that visitor contributions led to such a beautiful mosaic, placed in a prominent position, is very exciting. The details, such as Gaō's mane and the creative use of bottle caps, have truly been brought to life. It's amazing how everyone who participated can now share their experiences and knowledge about this project."
The significance of the mosaic art transcends mere aesthetics; it embodies a collective commitment to enhancing sustainability and community interaction. It is hoped that visitors will not only admire the artwork but also understand the role they can play in creating a sustainable future. This project represents a significant opportunity to engage with the core mission of eWell: to improve lives through technology and community involvement.
Moving forward, eWell will continue to foster similar initiatives, aiming to educate the public about the importance of resource circulation through enjoyable and creative means. The exhibition at Tennoji Zoo serves as a living demonstration of the potential impact of community cooperation on significant social issues. Visitors are encouraged to come and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and impactful narratives linked to the artwork created by their fellow citizens. Each visit enhances the collective spirit of responsibility towards the environment and community welfare, contributing to the shared vision of a society where everyone can live in peace and safety.
To learn more about the exhibits and eWell’s other initiatives, visitors can explore their respective websites. Whether it's through the vibrant pieces in Tennoji Zoo or digital tools supporting various healthcare initiatives, the mission remains the same: to connect people, care for lives, and inspire a sustainable future. Don’t miss the chance to visit and see the colossal impact of 1,600 contributing hearts showcased in this mosaic of hope and collaboration. This art piece transforms not only the animal adventures at Tennoji Zoo but offers an emblematic reminder of how we all can create positive change in our communities.
Topics People & Culture）
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