―So, what are the recent changes in the VENUS series?

Amano: What's in myself, but the picture is getting better. It's like the tree is growing little by little. It's a growth that only you can understand. But it's not good if it's too good. I'm going to do something extra.

―The background of VENUS this time is yellow, but what is this?

Amano: Yellow because it is an exhibition in Osaka. In the color of the Hanshin Tigers (laughs). Shibuya is a city of gal, so it turns pink. I like that. Take care of the local rules. In the past, I didn't like that much, but now I'm going around. Also, because I'm a Japanese, I didn't want to draw a samurai, but if everyone in that place wanted it.

―Do you want to ride?

Amano: That's right. A friend in Paris, you are Japanese, so make sushi! I've been saying that, but it's okay! I'll make it! That's right. It became a sushi like rice balls (laughs). But it's a challenge unique to that place.

―Exhibitions have been held not only in Japan but also in Korea, France, and U.K. recently. How do you think of the recent art scene, especially the changes in the market?

Amano: Over the past three or four years, young artists have been selling well. I think it's simple (laughs). Some artists are about 18 years old and can eat in art. I think the times have really changed. But I think the sense of distance to art will change further in the future. In that sense, I want children to come to see this exhibition.

―May I hear Mr. Amano's ambitions?

Amano: Yeah. Looking at a picture, I think that art is something between people, such as I think this way, and I think this way. You can sympathize with each other, or you can fight. I want to create such a situation from a single picture. I think that's the meaning of painting in the sense that I exist.

―How did you think so?

Amano: It was 7 or 8 years ago. When I'm doing a solo exhibition in Paris, a grandmother comes and praises my paintings with tears. I was surprised. I'm trying to convey it even though I can't communicate each other's words. That's what happened from a single picture.

―Finally, what is your impression of Osaka?

Amano: I feel a little away in Osaka. In the past, I had a techno party at a club, and in Tokyo, there were about 800 customers, but in Osaka there were only 3 people.…(laughs). But now it's away, so it's fun. Ideally, when I wake up in the morning at a hotel, there is a different view than usual. You can see five-storied pagoda in Kyoto and Pantheon in Paris. I wish I could see Tsutenkaku in Osaka (laughs). Now I can see the (Kyocera) Dome from where I'm staying, so when I get up in the morning, I'm surprised! I'm excited.

―Until now, there have been a lot of activities overseas, but still?

Amano: No, I'm excited! I want to get excited and be surprised. It's the same as the desire to watch a movie you don't know. That's why at this exhibition, I want customers to see the picture and be surprised first. Simple, sir! It's great! That's fine (laughs).