MURAL M1NUTE: Reskate lights up Yotsuya with "Hoshinomori": the Guardian of Stars
A new series focussing on the stories behind the beautiful murals found on Street Art Cities.
Reskate’s newest mural in Tokyo transforms a complex, window‑punctured façade in Yotsuya into a luminous story about guardianship, connection, and cultural homage. What began as a daunting architectural challenge, a surface full of windows, cuts, and interruptions, became a chance to compose with the building rather than against it, letting the mural breathe with the structure instead of fighting it.
The guardian who awakens at sunset
At the heart of the piece stands 星の守 (Hoshinomori), “The guardian of stars.”. By day, she is serene and grounded. But when the sun sets, her expression shifts: her hair reveals an infinite forest of stars, a cosmic landscape that watches over the neighborhood. Her gentleness toward her surroundings mirrors the care she extends to herself, a reminder of the reciprocity between beings and the worlds they inhabit.
This duality also echoes Reskate’s long‑running Harreman project, where murals reveal hidden layers under light. Hoshinomori extends that exploration of perception and connection, bringing the Harreman spirit into a new cultural context.
A tapestry of Japanese symbolism
Reskate’s tribute to Japanese culture is woven directly into the mural’s visual language.
The star motif draws from shippōtsunagi and marutsunagi, traditional patterns symbolizing infinite connection and balance.
The sweeping movement of her hair nods to Hokusai’s Kanagawa oki nami ura, transforming the iconic wave into a celestial current.
These references don’t imitate; they converse, blending Spanish storytelling with Japanese visual heritage.
A forest of stars, and someone beloved among them
During their time in Japan, Reskate often thought of their dear friend Amaia Arrazola (who sadly passed away last year) and her deep love for the country. Knowing that Amaia is now part of this forest of stars brings comfort, a presence felt rather than seen, woven into the night sky of the mural itself.
First time in Japan
“Yes, it has been our first time in Japan. It was definitely a country that we wanted to visit. We guess that having grown up with all the anime and manga references and other Japanese films made us feel curious about experiencing all this world first hand.”
“We got a private commission to intervene on a building in the district of Yotsuya in Tokyo with the concept Hoshinomoiri, which means ‘the guardian of stars’. We painted the mural for 6 days. The whole production went smoothly, except for some days of snow. It was nice living and working there, and having the chance to take our time to make the most of the journey. We stayed for 3 weeks, so we could visit many places without the need to rush. We really admire the respect people show towards others in the public space. It is amazing how clean and organized everything looks. Also, even in huge cities, the respect and connection people show for nature in the parks is admirable.”: shared the duo with us.
Local mural scene.
When asked if they got in touch with the local scene: “We wish, but we found no chance. We got in touch with the people of Wallshare in Osaka, but didn’t have the chance to meet. However, we visited some traditional print shops because we are passionate about traditional printing techniques.”
What comes next
“We need to prepare our next exhibition that will come after this summer in Barcelona. It will be about our photo‑luminescent project Harreman. We are producing new handcrafted screenprints that will be presented exclusively together with other works produced with other techniques. We will announce the opening and you will all be very much welcome!”
Is Tokyo a must visit Street Art City?
Tokyo isn’t just the backdrop for Hoshinomori, it’s one of the world’s most exciting cities for urban art exploration. With 100+ curated locations mapped on the Street Art Cities platform, the city offers a mix of hidden gems, large‑scale murals, sticker culture, and neighborhood‑specific aesthetics that shift from district to district.
By downloading the Street Art Cities app, visitors can discover all these spots, navigate them easily, and even share their own finds, helping the global community see Tokyo through fresh eyes. And while you’re there: follow Reskate in the app and don’t miss their latest art.
PRO TIP: book a tour with local guide Elena to get a full on experience