2026 Murals of AniTOMO Con
A “Where’s TOMO-Chan?” Adventure
About the Mural
Inspired by Wimmelbilderbuch—or “busy picture book” illustrations—the “Where’s TOMO-Chan?” Mural brings AniTOMO’s mascot, TOMO-Chan, to life in a “Where’s Waldo”-style search through the world cup, this year’s theme. Hidden among the detailed crowd scenes are familiar sights, anime fans, and playful nods to Japanese pop culture.
The “Where’s TOMO-Chan?” Mural marks AniTOMO’s first collaborative project, bridging the creativity of professional and youth artists. The project stands as a living example of AniTOMO’s mission to uplift local talent and amplify the voices of BIPOC students from high schools across Brooklyn.
Together, Helen and Ariah transformed a wall into a find-TOMO-Chan adventure, one that invites visitors to slow down, look closer, and find the wonder of Japanese culture hidden in every detail.
Lead Mural Illustrator: Helen “Miiasoey” So
Hong Kong–born, New York–based artist Helen So blends digital and traditional media to create vivid, story-filled worlds that capture nostalgia, identity, and belonging. Her art—seen across NYC’s Chinatown at Yu & Me Books, Spongies Café, and other community spaces—turns everyday life into whimsical adventures.
Helen describes her art as “a chaotic treasure map filled with stories,” where each glance reveals something new. For this project, she reimagined Japan Village as a playful mosaic of culture and community: “The idea of finding TOMO-Chan in a busy composition felt perfect. I loved collaborating with a young artist and seeing how her perspective shaped the color story.”
Her favorite part? “Including tiny personal details that made me giggle while drawing—even if no one else noticed them.”
🔗 Check Out & Support Helen’s Art Here
Lead Mural Color Artist: Ariah
Meet Ariah, AniTOMO's 2026 Student Color Artist! Originally from Jamaica, Ariah moved to New York in 2023 to pursue her passion for the arts and has quickly become an active leader within her school community. A junior at W. H. Maxwell Career and Technical Education High School in East New York, she is involved in her school's art community, student government, and My Sister's Keeper, a district-wide initiative supported by the Mayor's Office.
As part of the AniTOMO Muralist Incubator, Ariah will work alongside Lead Muralist Helen to help bring this year's World Cup-inspired mural to life, gaining hands-on experience in public art, large-scale painting, and creative collaboration. After graduating in 2027, Ariah hopes to attend the Yale School of Art to study Graphic Design. In addition to illustration and design, she enjoys painting and digital photography, and is excited to continue using art to connect with communities and tell meaningful stories.
👍Follow Ariah’s Journey on Instagram @cheeky_artsy
Ode to NYC Riiisa Boogie Mural
Lead Mural Illustrator: Riiisa Boogie
Since 2005, BOOGIEREZ—Boogie (Riiisaboogie) and Rezones has been where creativity, culture, and community collide. Fueled by hip-hop, lived experience, and a can’t stop, won’t stop mindset, this dynamic duo blends imagination, passion, skill, and style into every piece they touch.
🔗 Check Out & Support Boogie’s Art Here
Original 2025 Where’s TOMO-Chan Mural Japan Village Edition
Mural Artist: Helen & Mural Color Artist: Suniyah
