A mural titled "Water Game" by graphic designer Masaki Hanahara, principal of SOAR NY, has been completed in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a creative hub in Brooklyn, New York.
The mural "Water Game" has become part of the city's landscape. / Courtesy of SOAR NY
This mural was made possible through NYC DOT Art, New York City's official public art program. Created in partnership with the DUMBO Improvement District and Colossal Media, it marks the first time in history that a Japanese designer has created a large-scale, permanent piece of public art on a city-owned wall. * "The first Japanese designer": to be responsible for a permanent public art piece selected by New York City (as of July 2025, according to SOAR NY).
Mural "Water Game" / Courtesy of SOAR NY
A new art landmark joining the "DUMBO Walls"
The mural was installed at 108 Adams Street, at the intersection of Adams and Prospect Streets, right next to the Brooklyn Bridge. This is one of the most lively locations in Brooklyn, where locals and tourists alike come and go daily. The completed work is painted on a massive scale, measuring approximately 13 meters wide and 7 meters high, bringing a new sense of color and dynamism to the town of DUMBO.
The DUMBO area is located just across from Manhattan in Brooklyn. / Courtesy of SOAR NY
The DUMBO district is also known for the "DUMBO Walls," a collection of murals that have been created by world-renowned designers and artists. Works by renowned artists such as Stefan Sagmeister are dotted under the elevated railways and along the streets, with the town itself functioning as an "open gallery." Hanahara's "Water Game" has joined the ranks of this iconic area.
DUMBO District/Courtesy of SOAR NY
Japan and New York - Connecting Two Cultures with "Water Game"
The title of the work, "Water Game," was inspired by the "water game," a toy that was released in Japan in the 1970s and loved in both Japan and the United States. Hanahara has combined the culture of his own Japanese roots with the diverse urbanity of New York, where he is currently based, to visually sublimate his "journey back and forth between two cultures."
Water game image/Courtesy of SOAR NY
In addition to the Japanese minimalist aesthetic seen in previous works, the latest mural incorporates the dynamic and energetic atmosphere of DUMBO, evolving into a more vivid and dynamic expression. The fusion of graphic design and urban space creates an "art experience in the city" that will linger in people's memories and emotions.
Masaki Hanahara at work / Courtesy of SOAR NY
Public art as an extension of graphic design
This mural project also embodies the philosophy of SOAR NY, led by Hanahara. SOAR NY is a global design studio with members in New York, Tokyo, and Shanghai. Leveraging beautiful and bold visual expression, they have worked on numerous branding projects, campaigns, and art projects. Centered around the fundamental question, "What is beauty?", their mission is to bring a new sensibility to the city by fusing the latest New York trends with Japanese craftsmanship.
Masaki Hanahara at work / Courtesy of SOAR NY
This work was produced in collaboration with Colossal Media, a pioneer of hand-painted advertising art in New York. It was also made possible with the support of NYC DOT Art and the DUMBO Improvement District, representing the government, local community, and private sector. It is attracting attention as a new model case for weaving together urban culture, art, and the future with its citizens.
Masaki Hanahara at work / Courtesy of SOAR NY
Art that transcends borders to connect cities and people
It is particularly significant that "Water Game" was born in DUMBO, where SOAR NY is based. Hanahara, who has continued to work in the area, has created a new landmark that connects the city's memories with its future, vividly demonstrating the potential of Japanese creators in New York.
The official New York City mural will have a plaque embedded in the wall / Courtesy of SOAR NY
The work has already been featured in the official DUMBO area tour guide, and many people stop to take photos, blending naturally into the city. As part of the urban landscape, this art will remain in people's memories. This overlaps with the future of SOAR NY, which aims to "expand graphic design."
About SOAR NY
SOAR NY is an international design studio based in New York, connecting Tokyo and Shanghai. Leveraging beautiful and bold visual expression, the studio plans and produces numerous brand building projects, art projects, and campaigns. We continue to ask ourselves, "What is beauty?" as we pursue innovative designs that connect cities with people's sensibilities.
The mural "Water Game" has become part of the city's landscape. / Courtesy of SOAR NYThis mural was made possible through NYC DOT Art, New York City's official public art program. Created in partnership with the DUMBO Improvement District and Colossal Media, it marks the first time in history that a Japanese designer has created a large-scale, permanent piece of public art on a city-owned wall. * "The first Japanese designer": to be responsible for a permanent public art piece selected by New York City (as of July 2025, according to SOAR NY).
Mural "Water Game" / Courtesy of SOAR NYA new art landmark joining the "DUMBO Walls"
The mural was installed at 108 Adams Street, at the intersection of Adams and Prospect Streets, right next to the Brooklyn Bridge. This is one of the most lively locations in Brooklyn, where locals and tourists alike come and go daily. The completed work is painted on a massive scale, measuring approximately 13 meters wide and 7 meters high, bringing a new sense of color and dynamism to the town of DUMBO.
The DUMBO area is located just across from Manhattan in Brooklyn. / Courtesy of SOAR NYThe DUMBO district is also known for the "DUMBO Walls," a collection of murals that have been created by world-renowned designers and artists. Works by renowned artists such as Stefan Sagmeister are dotted under the elevated railways and along the streets, with the town itself functioning as an "open gallery." Hanahara's "Water Game" has joined the ranks of this iconic area.
DUMBO District/Courtesy of SOAR NYJapan and New York - Connecting Two Cultures with "Water Game"
The title of the work, "Water Game," was inspired by the "water game," a toy that was released in Japan in the 1970s and loved in both Japan and the United States. Hanahara has combined the culture of his own Japanese roots with the diverse urbanity of New York, where he is currently based, to visually sublimate his "journey back and forth between two cultures."
Water game image/Courtesy of SOAR NYIn addition to the Japanese minimalist aesthetic seen in previous works, the latest mural incorporates the dynamic and energetic atmosphere of DUMBO, evolving into a more vivid and dynamic expression. The fusion of graphic design and urban space creates an "art experience in the city" that will linger in people's memories and emotions.
Masaki Hanahara at work / Courtesy of SOAR NYPublic art as an extension of graphic design
This mural project also embodies the philosophy of SOAR NY, led by Hanahara. SOAR NY is a global design studio with members in New York, Tokyo, and Shanghai. Leveraging beautiful and bold visual expression, they have worked on numerous branding projects, campaigns, and art projects. Centered around the fundamental question, "What is beauty?", their mission is to bring a new sensibility to the city by fusing the latest New York trends with Japanese craftsmanship.
Masaki Hanahara at work / Courtesy of SOAR NYThis work was produced in collaboration with Colossal Media, a pioneer of hand-painted advertising art in New York. It was also made possible with the support of NYC DOT Art and the DUMBO Improvement District, representing the government, local community, and private sector. It is attracting attention as a new model case for weaving together urban culture, art, and the future with its citizens.
Masaki Hanahara at work / Courtesy of SOAR NYArt that transcends borders to connect cities and people
It is particularly significant that "Water Game" was born in DUMBO, where SOAR NY is based. Hanahara, who has continued to work in the area, has created a new landmark that connects the city's memories with its future, vividly demonstrating the potential of Japanese creators in New York.
The official New York City mural will have a plaque embedded in the wall / Courtesy of SOAR NYThe work has already been featured in the official DUMBO area tour guide, and many people stop to take photos, blending naturally into the city. As part of the urban landscape, this art will remain in people's memories. This overlaps with the future of SOAR NY, which aims to "expand graphic design."
About SOAR NY
SOAR NY is an international design studio based in New York, connecting Tokyo and Shanghai. Leveraging beautiful and bold visual expression, the studio plans and produces numerous brand building projects, art projects, and campaigns. We continue to ask ourselves, "What is beauty?" as we pursue innovative designs that connect cities with people's sensibilities.
