The night view of Yokohama is upgraded for 5 days only! Smart Illumination 2015 Report

TEXT: Akiko Inoue PHOTO: Masamasa Nishino 2015.10.31

Speaking of Yokohama's central coastal area, there are many night view spots such as Zou-no-hana Terrace, Osanbashi, Red Brick Warehouse, and Yamashita Park. This year's "Smart Illumination Yokohama 2015", which will bring the nightscape of Yokohama to life for five days from Friday, October 30 to Tuesday, November 3, has been upgraded by artists and citizens.

By the way, "smart" in Smart Illumination Yokohama means "energy saving". One of the features of this event is that many companies are participating as a showcase for cutting-edge technologies such as LED and solar lighting. I immediately covered Smart Illumination Yokohama 2015 to find out what kind of works will brighten up the city of Yokohama this year.

First of all, the Queen of Yokohama Customs, one of the three towers of Yokohama, which has long been a symbol of Yokohama, suddenly speaks in a surrealistic production and overwhelming sense of scale. Bye "The Tower (Queen) Sings".

Kyota Takahashi "Singing of the Tower (Queen)"

What's more, on this day, the Zou no Hana Chorus Club, who gathered from the public as an opening event, sang ABBA's "Dancing Queen" and QUEEN's "We are the champions" together with Queen.

Next is Asae Soya's Niji House, which "imagined the base in each person's heart." The brightly colored balloons gently emit light.

Asae Soya "Rainbow House"

And then there is the "Illuminator Guide Ship," where Junichi Kusaka, also known as an illuminator, guides you through the nightscape of Yokohama on a boat. You can enjoy the night view from the sea for about 20 minutes, and Mr. Kusaka and other guides will tell you useful Yokohama sightseeing information if you know it. You can take a commemorative photo with the illuminator with the unique view of Yokohama in the background, or take a photo on the sea where you can capture all three towers of Yokohama in a frame. And the first person who answered the quiz correctly on the way will receive a wonderful gift...! Whether you are visiting Yokohama for the first time or are familiar with it, the night view of Yokohama from the sea will surely feel fresh.
(*1,000 yen)

Junichi Kusaka "Illuminator Guideship"

In addition, at the Smart Illumination Award, in which 29 groups participated, individuals and groups who were openly recruited exhibited works that were made through trial and error during this period.

Left: Shibaura Institute of Technology Irikura Laboratory "Colored Town" Right: EP3 Musashino University "Elephant Shower"

Extensive exhibition of works by companies!

Nakagawa Chemical "Light graffiti"

Don't miss the Yokohama night view, which is a little different than usual! ! !

For event details, see the list of related events below.
<This event has ended. >

▼ Smart illumination will be developed in areas other than Yokohama

11.6 (Fri.) ~ 7 (Sat.) Smart Illumination Midori -Nakayama Illusion Yokocho-
12.5 (Sat) Smart Illumination Izumi
2.13 (Sat) ~ 14 (Sun) Smart Illumination Kanazawa