Although it was also demolished due to an intentional fire, the fish was later restored at “Busan Biennale (2006).” The only exception among Yodo-Tech’s open-air creations is “Torii,” which was built at the foot of Juso Ohashi Bridge and has been officially preserved by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Yodo-Tech has also created a number of works that can be presented at galleries and museums, by packing a piece of trash like perishable food, for example.
While Yodo-Tech continues to send their messages via trash and litter from the Yodo River, their world of creation involves diverse elements other than dumped items. Nature, seasons, animals (stray dogs, jelly fish, etc.), and residents (homeless people) that are seen on the river, or the communications with fans and friends who come to their periodical event, “Yodogawa Picnic”--Yodo-Tech’s artworks are deeply influenced by these components that appear to have nothing to do with art. Their work never become sentimental or too propagandistic, but simply and almost indifferently breaks through the conventional idea of art. Such strength and natural brilliance are the greatest appeal of Yodo-Tech’s art.

People in Osaka have always appreciated people challenging with their own wit, rather than only of good birth. Being far away from the mainstream of today’s art industry, Yodo-Tech makes themselves a perfect candidate for praise from Osaka citizens. If an urban city is characterized by an acceptance of outsider’s culture, Yodo-Tech are also eligible to be part of it since neither of them are from Osaka. “We get the same feeling as we do at home,” said Yodo-Tech about the Yodo River during the interview I had with them. While it is a place that illustrates urban prosperity and contradictions, the Yodo River still provides a natural setting, a waterfront, and a big open sky. This is why the Yodo River became the birthplace of such a unique talent as Yodo-Tech. It makes me strongly believe that Yodo-Tech would not have been discovered anywhere but in Osaka.

July 5, 2007