From Shanghai to Thailand —A Journey Through Art and Everyday Life

In early April, I embarked on a two-week art journey through Shanghai, China, and Thailand.

My first stop was in Shanghai, where I visited a solo exhibition by Japanese painter and musical artist Shinya Azuma, titled “BREAKING OUT.”

His work carries a unique and unmistakable style, radiating a natural sense of being true to himself. As I spent time with his pieces, I began to sense the meticulous thought behind them—each one resonating deeply, with a kind of excitement that stirs something within. It’s no surprise that his work is part of museum collections.

Compared to my first visit to Shanghai 30 years ago, the city is now almost unrecognizably modern and beautiful. The Bund area in particular has been carefully developed, and its clean, elegant streets left a strong impression.

On a more personal note, I’ve always loved the nostalgic charm of old alleys like the hutongs—quiet corners full of history that tug at the heart. Sadly, many are being cleared away in recent years.

That said, places like Kunshan Park, which has preserved more than a century of history, still remain as cherished public spaces for the local community. It’s encouraging to see that amidst rapid change, some elements of the past continue to live on.

Dead ball

ROUND 1 FIGHT!

Otaku with White tiger

Trade off

From Shanghai Pudong International Airport, I took a five-hour flight to Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Even though it was April, the daytime temperature hovered around 30 to 35°C, made even more intense by the humidity—truly a hot and steamy climate.

I arrived at 11 p.m., and though it was still warm, the nighttime air felt slightly more bearable.

Thailand is one of the few Asian countries where tipping is part of the culture, but in practice, it’s mostly expected for transportation, tourist spots, and hotels—generally not necessary when dining out.

As a developing country, taxi fares are quite low, but tipping is customary, and receipts are rarely given—it’s a very “free” kind of system.

In Bangkok, boats and water taxis make it easy and affordable to travel to many destinations via the city’s waterways.

Bangkok also has a thriving art scene, with venues like the Bangkok Art & Culture Center and the Jim Thompson Art Center. But perhaps the true highlight lies in the city’s everyday artistic expressions—murals scattered throughout the streets and handmade artworks along the canals, created by ordinary people.

While these pieces differ from the polished works shown in galleries, I truly believe this kind of art embodies the essence of contemporary art.

To me, true art should stir something inside—it should have soul, and maybe even a touch of pain that lingers in the heart.

Through this journey, I was once again reminded that art lives not only in galleries, but also in the everyday lives of people—in the streets, along the water, and in quiet moments that stir the soul.

Wherever you go, keep your eyes open. You might just stumble upon something that moves you deeply.