Exciting Tokyo Nights with Projection Mapping Art

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Record-breaking projection mapping projects incorporating some of the city's most iconic buildings are bringing color and drama to Tokyo's evenings.
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Of course Godzilla, Japan's most beloved monster, needs to make an appearance. ©TOHO CO., LTD.

Experience Magical Projection Art in Tokyo

The options for those looking for a fun evening out in Japan's capital continue to expand, thanks to the TOKYO Night & Light project, offering regular projection mapping shows against the dramatic, towering backdrop of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, just a short walk from Shinjuku Station.

The massive building serves as a canvas for a rotation of artistic projections, using light and sound. The project holds the Guinness World Record for the largest permanent architectural projection-mapped display, covering an impressive 13,904 square meters in projection area.

Fantastical designs from both domestic and international creators who have received high acclaim at international competitions are projected with precision and world-class luminance thanks to the use of 40 projectors.
Regular screenings feature a variety of different projections, and include subjects as varied as Pac-Man and a Lunar Cycle projection that changes daily over the course of a month. 

Some highlights are the GODZILLA: ATTACK ON TOKYO projection, which includes a 100-meter-tall appearance by Japan's most iconic monster. Ukiyo's projection art depicts various aspects of Japanese culture and daily life as it changed with the times, from the Edo period (1603-1868) to the present day. The magical colors and creatures of Golden Fortune are sure to enchant younger visitors, while the kaleidoscopic representations of Tokyo of POETIC STRUCTURES will thrill fans of modern art.

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Projection mapping inspired by ukiyo-e celebrates the art of woodblock printing on a grand scale.

TOKYO GODZILLAs was released in late November 2024, the second projection featuring the beloved film monster, celebrating its 70th anniversary, followed by the Idol projection, set to the hit song by artists YOASOBI which was also used on the track for a popular anime series. Then a projection that combines traditional Japanese instruments with innovative club music captivated people with its unique tones.

The colorful projections are shown at 30 minute intervals and are offered free of charge. 

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TOKYO CONCERTO uses projection and music to capture the essence of Tokyo over the years.

TOKYO LIGHTS has also provided more art after dark, with special events that have previously taken over the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery near the Japan National Stadium, creating fantastical scenes projected on the walls of the beautiful retro building. 
Tokyo has many landmarks and famous sightseeing spots, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is promoting efforts to add value to these existing resources by combining them with the Japanese technology of projection mapping art. By creating new, exciting attractions for visitors, Tokyo's nights will become livelier and more colorful than ever. 

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The audience enjoys a projection mapping event at the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery.
Interview and writing by Chiara Terzuolo
Photo courtesy of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government