Has Banksy made his mark on Tokyo? Graffiti of rat with umbrella appears on wall in Japan's capital

Tokyo is investigating claims that a new piece of graffiti could be by street artist Banksy.

The new piece of art depicts a rat holding an umbrella and was sprayed on a door close to the Hinode monorail station.

It has been compared to a famous Banksy painting of a rat parachuting with an umbrella.

Local residents informed the government about the painting’s existence last year.

Government official Koji Sugiyama told AFP: ”We notice there is a drawing of a rat painted with spray. We think there’s a possibility it has been done by Banksy.”

The door has been removed and kept in storage for safe keeping.

Officials are now trying to verify the artwork.

Last month, Banksy confirmed he was behind a mural in Port Talbot, Wales.

The mural which seems to comment on the town’s industrial heritage appeared on two walls of a garage in Tailbach area of Port Talbot overnight.

The artist later posted images of the work on his Instagram page.

Banksy’s identity remains unknown although people have spent years trying to uncover him.

He has continuously refused to reveal his identity and says this is to prevent incriminating himself, because of the illegal nature of graffiti.