There’s a new reason to visit Tokyo, a Guinness record-breaker that gives a new purpose to a 30-year-old skyscraper. Entitled “Tokyo Night & Light”, the brand new light and sound installation appears projected onto the city’s Metropolitan Government Building and is the largest architecture-based permanent projection-mapped display anywhere in the world.
Tochō transformed
The government premises, also known as Tochō, are the seat of the city’s civic leaders. Standing at 242.9 metres, the complex is composed of two towers, has observation decks, was the tallest building in the world for two years when it was completed in 1991 and remains the tallest city hall anywhere. Designed by Kenzo Tange, it has 48 floors and was intended to resemble a Gothic cathedral.
Now it has a new lease of life, in the form of a 13,905-square-metre display appearing on its exterior. “We hope that art combined with Japanese projection mapping technology will make this into a new tourist attraction,” Governor Yuriko Koike explained at a launch event featuring a live performance by popular music artist Aimer.
What is projection mapping?
Projection mapping uses specialised software to map a two or three dimensional object onto a virtual form which is able to imitate the real world environment. The software can then fit any desired image onto the surface of that real world object.
Often combined with or indeed responding to audio input, the technique is widely employed by artists, advertisers and DJs. It allows extra dimensions, illusions, and a sense of motion to be created, meaning that audiovisual storytelling can take place. For this reason, the tech has become a favourite in the education and cultural sectors.
When can I see it?
Viewable from Citizen’s Plaza, the night-time attraction will be offering five different visual treats between now and the end of April. The display is free to view every night from 7pm to 9pm (except during stormy weather). Each display cycle lasts approximately 10-15 minutes.
During the week, a display entitled “Evolution”, by Belgian artist Maxime Guislan, juxtaposes the lunar phases with the different faces of Tokyo. It will be shown alongside “Lunar Cycle”, by creative agency Colors Creation. Meanwhile, on weekends and festivals, three other creations accompanied by contemporary music will be visible on the building, among which is a tribute to the Japanese relationship with nature, replacing Tochō’s concrete skyscraper structure with timber.
