TOKYO Night and Light: Largest Projection-mapped at Shinjuku

Tokyo's New Attraction: Largest Projection-mapped at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

TOKYO Night & Light

Located in the heart of Shinjuku, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (東京都庁舎) serves as the administrative headquarters for the city. Designed by Kenzo Tange and completed in 1991, it’s a complex of three buildings and two towers. On the 45th floor of each tower there are two panoramic observation decks, the north observatory and the south observatory of 202 m high, free of enter.

It’s one of the tourist attractions of the city, and since February 2024 it also has a nightly light show every day, TOKYO Night & Light, in collaboration with the ultra technologist art group teamLab, making it even more interesting.

If you are visiting Tokyo in 2024, don’t miss this  event that will color Tokyo’s nights! Want to know more? Keep reading to know the details!

TOKYO Night & Light

TOKYO Night & Light
Copyright © 2024 Tokyo Metropolitan Government. All Rights Reserved.

TOKYO Night & Light is a new projection mapping showcased on the eastern wall of the main building of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office started from February 25th, 2024 (Sunday). With this initiative, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government aims to create a new tourist attraction that enhance Tokyo’s nightscape with dynamic displays of light and sound throughout the year.

There are a variety of 5 different shows, combining projection mapping with Japanese popular songs, and each show have a story.

TOKYO CONCERTO

TOKYO Night & Light
Copyright © 2024 Tokyo Metropolitan Government. All Rights Reserved.

A magnificent projection mapping show created to tell Tokyo’s story with music. Throughout three movements, various essences of Tokyo are condensed, journeying from the past to the future.

The music, crafted by Hideaki Takahashi alongside teamLab and other musicians from Japan and abroad, sets the mood for each part. From serene melodies to energetic beats, it complements the visuals perfectly. Despite different creators working on each part, they all blend seamlessly to make “Tokyo Concerto” an unforgettable experience.

Zankyosanka/Aimer

TOKYO Night & Light
Copyright © 2024 Tokyo Metropolitan Government. All Rights Reserved.

Projection mapping that brought to life the theme song Zankyo Sanka, from the popular anime Demon Slayer.

Infused with a Japanese sensibility and texture, it creates a grand and energetic fantasy world. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s structure is illuminated to resemble old Japanese houses, incorporating various lighting effects creating a fantasy world

The lights change to show moons, fireworks, trees, and flowers. It’s a fun way to enjoy the song!

800/Aimer

TOKYO Night & Light
Copyright © 2024 Tokyo Metropolitan Government. All Rights Reserved.

This is a new song tied to the theme of the movie “Matching”.

The song captures feelings like anxiety, doubt, and inner conflict through overflowing words, fluctuating visuals, and noise. The projection show starts in a blue, uneasy atmosphere but gradually gains color, pushing towards hope.

Lunar Cycle

TOKYO Night & Light
Copyright © 2024 Tokyo Metropolitan Government. All Rights Reserved.

We’ll project visuals combining the moon’s 29.5-day cycle and various elements of Tokyo onto the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Each day, a different moon design will decorate the building, adding a lively touch that changes daily.

Evolution

TOKYO Night & Light
Copyright © 2024 Tokyo Metropolitan Government. All Rights Reserved.

This work uses CG imagery and simple lighting to symbolically showcase the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Through projection mapping, it highlights the building’s uniqueness with captivating light effects and movements, reflecting the concept of cycles and returning to the origin.


Weekdays

19:00 – Screening (15 minutes) Evolution / Lunar Cycle

19:30 – Screening (10 minutes) Evolution / Lunar Cycle

20:00 – Screening (15 minutes) Evolution / Lunar Cycle

20:30 – Screening (10 minutes) Evolution / Lunar Cycle

21:00 – Screening (15 minutes) Evolution / Lunar Cycle

Weekends and Holidays

19:00 – Screening (15 minutes) TOKYO CONCERTO

19:30 – Screening (10 minutes) Resonance Scattered Song (Aimer) / 800 (Aimer) / Evolution

20:00 – Screening (15 minutes) TOKYO CONCERTO

20:30 – Screening (10 minutes) Resonance Scattered Song (Aimer) / 800 (Aimer) / Lunar Cycle

21:00 – Screening (15 minutes) TOKYO CONCERTO

TOKYO Night & Light

About Shinjuku Area

Shinjuku is one of the must-visit areas in Tokyo, and one of the best entertainments districts in the city. Full of skyscrapers and offices, during the day Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s major business districts and a central commercial hub in Japan. But it’s best know for its nightlife culture. Often called “the city never sleeps”, Shinjuku is famous for its flashy neon lights and the Kabukicho area, the biggest red light district in Tokyo.

Shinjuku also have several famous drinking spots such as Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai, and a huge variety of dinner options. Now with the new Night & Light attraction at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, there are even more reasons not to miss the opportunity to visit Shinjuku at night.


If is your first time in Japan and don’t know much about Shinjuku, this one day itinerary guide can help you! ▶︎1 Day Itinerary in Tokyo: SHINJUKU

▽For more information about Shinjuku▽

▶︎Best Tours and Activities in Shinjuku

▶︎Best Hotels in Shinjuku

▶︎20 Best Restaurants in Shinjuku Area

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Written by

From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️ 

I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼‍♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!

 

Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.