Contemporary art that suddenly appears in the middle of the bridge. Made by Mayo Kawasaki... feels like hearing a name from way back. A monument that makes you wonder whether hearts and Orihime and Hikoboshi of the Milky Way are really okay after the divorce from Kaiya. A lonely presence that Hirakata residents already just walk past.

Personally, I like this kind of thing. There's a plate that seems to have Mayo Kawasaki's signature on it. It's tiled and suddenly there in the middle of the bridge, so it's sure to catch your eye the first time you visit. In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom along the Amanogawa River and it's beautiful. Since it's an everyday local road and not a tourist spot, you can take your time looking at it relatively leisurely.

Found it when I went to Hirakata City for work! With its flashy look and the name "Monument of Happiness," I couldn't help taking a photo. I didn't notice on site, but when I looked back at the photos after getting home, I discovered it was donated by Mayo Kawasaki!! Captivating people with its beautiful look — just what you'd expect, I thought.

The Monument of Happiness donated by Mayo Kawasaki. You get a good view of the Keihan trains. There are hidden heart tiles, so try to find them.

Wouldn't it be better to move it somewhere else, like the fitting room of a vintage clothing shop? When you're done changing, you ring the bell, open the curtain, and have your partner take a look — "What do you think?" If it suits you, they ring the bell back. That kind of playful fun could come out of it. Well, it's fine to keep it here too, but I only thought that because — maybe just by chance — a dog being walked by its owner was marking it big time.