unique Tuesday, 28 January 2025 | 09:55

Bobby the Cat Featured in Inoues Artwork for Expo 2025

RR Ukirsari Manggalani

Bobby Kertanegara [Instagram @/bobbykertanegara]

TheIndonesia.co - Japanese artist Bunta Inoue has created a hand-painted masterpiece featuring Bobby Kertanegara, President Prabowo Subianto's beloved cat, alongside traditional Indonesian cultural symbols. This artwork will be showcased at the World Expo Osaka-Kansai from April 13 to October 13, 2025, celebrating the cultural exchange between Indonesia and Japan.

Founder of the Sakuranesia Foundation, Tovic Rustam (center), shows a painting of Bobby, President Prabowo Subianto's cat while posing with Japanese painter Bunta Inoue (right) and Chair of the Sakuranesia Foundation, Sakura Ijuin (left), on the sidelines of a live painting agenda of Indonesian-Japanese cultural, thematic paintings in Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, Saturday (1/25/2025). [ANTARA/HO-Sakuranesia]

According to Antara News Agency, Inoue’s collection incorporates themes like the Garuda Bird, Balinese statues, Rafflesia Flowers, and Luwak Coffee, symbolizing the deep cultural ties between the two nations. Inoue emphasized that art transcends borders and has the power to promote love and peace globally.

The artist, who is contributing to various international exhibits at the Expo, hopes President Prabowo will attend the event, where his painting of Bobby will play a key role in this cultural celebration. Inspired by an interview with Indonesian Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi, the work symbolizes a step toward unity through artistic expression.

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President Prabowo Subianto with Bobby Kertanegara [Instagram @/bobbykertanegara]

Crafted in Inoue’s Tateyama City studio, the artwork was unveiled during a live painting event attended by cultural figures and dignitaries. The project, supported by the Sakuranesia Foundation, aims to deepen the cultural bonds between Indonesia and Japan, offering a unique perspective on both nations' artistic heritage. The artwork will also be featured in Hiragana Times, further promoting this cultural collaboration.