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Godzilla, PAC-MAN and Edo art: The free record-breaking night light attraction to add to your Tokyo itinerary
The 14,000 sqm projection mapping display on Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building combines cutting-edge technology with cultural icons, offering visitors a free nightly spectacle in the heart of Shinjuku
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1 transforms into a digital canvas that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest permanent architectural projection-mapped display, featuring spectacular displays like this Godzilla projection.
PHOTO: ©TOHO CO., LTD.
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.
The rotating programme offers something new every 30 minutes every evening.
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 100m-tall appearance by Japan’s most iconic monster. In late November 2024, TOKYO GODZILLAs was introduced, bringing the beloved 70-year-old screen legend back to life.
The Ukiyo projection traces the evolution of Japanese culture and daily life from the Edo period between 1603 and 1868 to contemporary times. For younger visitors, Golden Fortune enchants, while POETIC STRUCTURES captivates fans for modern art with its kaleidoscopic images of Tokyo scenes.
Projection mapping inspired by ukiyo-e celebrates the art of woodblock printing on a grand scale.
PHOTO: TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT
For music fans, the Idol projection features chart-topping anime theme songs by pop duo YOASOBI, while TYO337, which combines traditional Japanese instruments with innovative club music, captivates with its unique tones.
The colourful TOKYO CONCERTO projection features images and music that capture the essence of Tokyo over the years.
PHOTO: TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT
While the flagship display of TOKYO Night & Light illuminates the Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, other iconic structures part of the Tokyo Projection Mapping Project have lit up the city. Previously, the TOKYO LIGHTS event had also provided art after dark, with special projections that have 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, the city’s nights will become livelier and more colourful than ever.
Spectators gather as projection mapping transforms the classical facade of the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery into a canvas of light and colour.
PHOTO: TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT
TOKYO Night & Light runs every 30 minutes daily from 6:30pm in March, 7pm in April and 7:30pm in May to August. More information on show schedules here.
This story is provided by TOKYO UPDATES
