Society

Possible Banksy work on display in Tokyo

Nov 26 (NHK) - What could be an original piece by the anonymous artist Banksy is on display in Tokyo. The artist is known for his satirical works on buildings and other sites.

The 20-by-20 centimeter work depicts a rat holding an umbrella. It was spotted last December at a waterfront tide gate, managed by the Tokyo government in Minato Ward.

It went on display on Monday in a cruise ship lounge at Hinode pier, near the spot it was found. A steady stream of people visited the site.

One woman in her 50s from Kagoshima Prefecture, southern Japan said that the artwork was cute and that she hopes it's genuine.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government says it decided to exhibit the piece after many requests from the public, even though it still can't be confirmed if it's an original Banksy. It also says the decision doesn't mean that it tolerates graffiti on public property.

The free exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It currently has no set end date.

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