Machinaka exhibition

The ``Machinaka Exhibition'' utilizes historical buildings in Yokohama, and companies and other organizations light them up using their own lighting technology.

MAGCUL.NET interviewed Yamatomo Industries Co., Ltd. and Crown Bee Co., Ltd., which are exhibiting at the KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theater 1F atrium.

Q1) What kind of company is Yamatomo Kogyo Co., Ltd./Crown B Co., Ltd.?

Yamatomo Industry: Our company has been manufacturing large equipment and other communication equipment used by power companies throughout Japan and has been involved in infrastructure maintenance for 50 years. In the process, we started using LEDs, which led us to produce the kind of lighting we used for this project.

Crown Bee: A company that handles most of the process from balloon design to production, setup, and removal.

Q2) Please tell us about the works that will be exhibited this time.

—You use silkworms as a motif. Why did you choose this motif as the key to this work? Also, please let us know if there are any technical improvements or difficulties you faced.

Yamatomo Kogyo: We left all the motif selection to Crown B. Because it has a complex shape and is a symbol of this building and the history of Yokohama, we were careful not to create vulgar lighting. We believe that those who look at it will enjoy the vivid impression that comes from its large size and the graceful expression that is revealed by the light.

Crown Bee: First of all, when I was shown around the KAAT building, the building itself had the image of a cocoon, and the tiles and ramune bottles that were excavated there, as well as the fact that it is also a trading port, led me to this image. Technically speaking, since LEDs are placed inside the balloon, we devised an internal structure that allows the light to reach the outer skin.

Q3) As a company, is there anything you are conscious of when exhibiting "works" like this?

Yamatomo Kogyo: Since we are a equipment manufacturer, we do not exhibit our own "works," but we believe that we can help artists and users realize their images as much as possible. We are making. This is the first time we have teamed up like this. Previously, when Crown Bee purchased our lighting equipment, they actually showed us how to use it. The impact of the balloons at that time left a very strong impression on me, and since our company will be participating in Smart Illumination this time, I decided to reach out to them in the hope that we could work together. Our company has rarely been involved in events or exhibitions like this before, so we are very honored to be able to work with them to create this kind of work.

Crown Bee: We hope that many people, from small children to the elderly, can watch and enjoy it.

Q4) Please give a message to everyone who comes to Smart Illumination.

Yamatomo Kogyo: In recent years, LEDs have become popular in ordinary households, and I think they have a strong image of being energy-saving and saving money on electricity bills. However, I would appreciate it if you would know that it is sometimes used to entertain the viewer in this way. Please enjoy the unique night view of Yokohama.

Crown Bee: Please enjoy the various light productions to the fullest.