Culture

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Hosts World's Largest Projection Mapping Event

The world's largest projection mapping event is now open to enjoy all year. Find it in Shinjuku on the exterior of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building.

Published

2 months ago

March 1, 2024

Hidemitsu Kaito

Projection mapping displayed on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No 1. (Taken on February 26, 2024, from the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building side. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)

TOKYO Night & Light projection mapping has been illuminating the eastern facade of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building every night since February 25. Hereafter it will be a year-round attraction, and admission is free.

Guinness World Record Certified

The projection mapping event spans approximately 14,000 square meters across floors four through 32 of the building's exterior. It has a height of 127 meters and a width of 110 meters. With those dimensions, Guinness World Records recognized it as the largest permanent display artwork on a building facade.

Upon receiving the certification, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike shared the metropolis's aspirations, stating: "This magnificent art transforms the Metropolitan Government Building into a canvas. I hope to establish this event as a new iconic landmark in Tokyo."

*Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike receives the Guinness World Record certificate (© Sankei by Hideyuki Matsui)*

Moreover, the projection mapping was produced by top creators not only from Japan but also from around the world. It now graces the Tokyo evenings daily except in inclement weather. Find it on from 7 PM to 9 PM, with showings every 30 minutes (schedule in effect until the end of April).

Up close, spectators can enjoy the display from the Citizen's Plaza in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It can also be seen from a distance, including from streets and plazas in the direction of Shinjuku Station. The content of the display varies between weekdays and on weekends and holidays.

*Projection mapping of the east wall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No 1 on February 26, 2024. Certified by Guinness World Records. (©JAPAN Forward by Hidemitsu Kaito)*

Environmentally Friendly Light Show

This event's projection mapping system is powered by technology from a Panasonic Group company. It achieves spatial presentation through cloud-controlled automation, reducing the need for manual labor. Notably, its primary power source is solar-generated electricity.

*Projection mapping "TOKYO Night & Light" illuminates the night of February 25 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. (© Sankei by Hideyuki Matsui)*

Tokyo marked its 80th anniversary in 2023. In 1943, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government was established, merging the Tokyo Prefecture and city governments into the Tokyo Metropolis.