The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Has a Free Lights Show

(SPOT.ph) Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities to visit in the world. Despite this, thanks to all the new attractions popping up in and around the area, it's still at the top of everybody's must-visit list. But visiting Tokyo doesn't always have to break the bank. Case in point: if you're looking for something free to do on your Tokyo itinerary, stop at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a free Lights and Sound Show happening every night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

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What is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's Lights and Sounds Show:

Before you write this off as just any other lights and sound show, you should know that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's Lights and Sound Show is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World’s Largest Projection Mapping Display.

Dubbed TOKYO Night & Light,  the nighttime spectacle covers an area of roughly 13,905 square meters. It features five different projection mapping visuals playing every 30 minutes starting at 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily (except during stormy weather). 

Images of Japan's famous tourist attractions are projected on the eastern facade of the complex's 48-story Main Building No. 1, extending from the building's fourth to 32nd floors. And, of course, Japan being Japan, the projection is powered primarily by solar power, ensuring that the attraction has as little environmental impact as possible. 

Shows to Watch at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Under the current program, which will continue through April, five shows are held daily from 7 p.m. According to the local government, different displays will be projected on weekends and holidays.

Tokyo Concerto

This show was created to spotlight Tokyo's attractions "playing in concert" with music. Different Tokyo scenes and sights are condensed and run from the past to the future through three movements featuring creation from nature, cultural diversity, and the future and technological advancements.

Zankyo Sanka / Aimer

 Zankyo Sanka is the theme song of a popular anime in Japan and is used in this show to create a "fantasy world with a sense of scale and vigor." This projection mapping illuminates the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building like an old wooden structure highlighting traditional Japanese architecture.

The structure dynamically changes from metal to glass, and the moon, fireworks, trees, and flowers are mixed in with the structure, drawing the viewer into this fantasy world of light and sound.

800 / Aimer

Taking on a more emotional theme, this projection show features the feelings of anxiety, hesitation, and conflict in the song 800 as an emotional scene with overflowing words, shimmering images, and noise.

The show starts with an anxious blue worldview, which gradually begins to take on color, signifying the movement towards hope moving forward. 

Lunar Cycle

Moving closer to nature, the Lunar Cycle highlights the different phases of the moon. The visuals are projected by combining the silhouette of the moon with various Tokyo scenes. 

Evolution

Working with the idea that as things evolve, some things stay the same, Evolution uses lighting and computer-generated images to highlight the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's structure. 

The work depicts the government structure in a mysterious and awe-inspiring manner, using light effects and movement that can only be achieved through projection mapping.

Here's a preview of what to expect at TOKYO Night & Light:

TOKYO Night & Light Show Schedule

On weekdays, a combination of 10—to 15-minute shows featuring the projections Evolution and Lunar Cycle will be on display. On weekends and public holidays, the same show length will be displayed, but this time, a combination of all five shows will be featured.

Weekdays

• 7 p.m.:  Evolution/Lunar Cycle- Screening time 15 minutes
• 7:30 p.m.: Evolution/Lunar Cycle-Screening 10 minutes
• 8 p.m.:  Evolution/Lunar Cycle- Screening 15 minutes
• 8:30 p.m.: Evolution/Lunar Cycle- Screening 10 minutes 
• 9 p.m.: Evolution/Lunar Cycle- Screening 15 minutes 

Weekends and Public Holidays

• 7 p.m.:  Tokyo Concerto- Screening time 15 minutes
• 7:30 p.m.:  Zankyo Sanka (Aimer)" / "800 (Aimer)" / Evolution-Screening 10 minutes
• 8 p.m.: Tokyo Concerto- Screening 15 minutes
• 8:30 p.m.: Zankyo Sanka (Aimer)" / "800 (Aimer)" / Lunar Cycle-Screening 10 minutes
• 9 p.m.: Tokyo Concerto-- Screening 15 minutes 

About the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the seat of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which governs the special wards, cities, towns, and villages that constitute Tokyo.

The building was designed by architect Kenzo Tange, resembling integrated circuits while also evoking the look of a Gothic cathedral. It consists of a complex of three structures, each taking up a city block. The tallest of the three is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1, onto which TOKYO Night & Lights is projected.

Aside from being known as the home of TOKYO Night & Lights, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is also one of the world's largest government buildings. It's also a popular tourist destination during the daytime, offering panoramic views of the Tokyo cityscape through its observation decks, which are free for the public to visit. 

TOKYO NIght & Light is at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku, Tokyo. Catch the show for free daily starting at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the Tokyo Projection Mapping Project's website.

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