Graffiti on a seawall in Chiba Prefecture resembling the work of Banksy has sparked speculation over whether it is a piece by the elusive street artist, and it comes about a month after another possible work by the painter and activist was found in the nation's capital.
The drawing in Tokyo sparked excitement, with authorities saying they plan to check its authenticity. But the work found in the coastal town of Kujukuri in Chiba, which resembles Banksy's noted "Girl with Balloon," may end up causing disappointment.
"As it seems to have been drawn recently, I guess it may be a copy by a fan," Yoshitaka Mori, an expert on the works of the U.K.-based artist, said, while noting he has not seen the actual graffiti on the concrete seawall at the fishing port.