#Japan #Tokyo #Ado #Signal Bleed #1minute Projection

Grand Prize Winner at Tokyo's 1minute Projection Mapping Competition 2023

On May 30, 2023, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government hosted the 1minute Projection Mapping Competition, marking its 13th year and celebrated as one of the largest international projection mapping events in the world. This year, the competition received a record-breaking 412 entries from 65 different countries, showcasing a phenomenal array of creativity and innovation.

The event took place in the vibrant Tochoma Plaza, with 18 finalist entries screened, ultimately leading to the announcement of the winners. Notably, Yuriko Koike, the Governor of Tokyo, addressed the attendees, celebrating the remarkable talents and dedication of the international creative community. The atmosphere was electrifying, filled with applause and heartfelt enthusiasm as awardees expressed their joy and reflections on their artistic journeys.

The Grand Prize was awarded to Signal Bleed from Brazil for their captivating work titled Touch Talk. The piece explores the theme of dialogue, questioning the essence of communication when two entities cannot hear each other. It delves into curiosity, misunderstanding, and the possibility of connection through listening. In their acceptance speech, the team thanked everyone involved, remarking, "It was a wonderful experience, and we are grateful for the recognition."

Award Overview

In addition to the Grand Prize, several other noteworthy entries were recognized:

• - Second Prize went to VPM from Spain for their piece Aporia, which presented a silent dialogue between the facade and the viewers, exploring perception and architectural interaction.
• - Third Prize was awarded to Bigcool from Thailand for The Beauty of Collision, emphasizing the beauty that arises from conflict and the merging of distinct perspectives.
• - The Tokyo Tokyo Award was given to Anionavision from Romania for their work 1Pulse, highlighting the intersection of languages, signs, and the essence of human connection.
• - The Audience Award was won by Taro Narahara from Japan for Infinite Dialogue, celebrating diverse dialogues extending beyond traditional boundaries of communication.

Opening Performance by Ado

The ceremony kickstarted with a special performance featuring a medley of Ado's songs, including her latest hit, アイ・アイ・ア. This captivating six-minute performance mesmerized the audience with stunning visuals and high-energy choreography from the MPLUSPLUS Dancers, setting an exhilarating tone for the competition. Over 2,000 attendees were treated to a live experience that sparked comments of admiration on social media, praising the opening as "perfect" and "truly an unforgettable showcase."

Awards and Recognition

The coveted prize plates awarded to the winners symbolize excellence in projection mapping, intricately crafted by Musou Co., Ltd. in Ota City and traditional Edo Kiriko artisans from Horiguchi Kiriko Co., Ltd. These unique creations merge advanced technology with Japan's rich artistic heritage, embodying the significance of this prestigious global event.

About 1minute Projection Mapping Competition

Since its inception in 2012, the 1minute Projection Mapping Competition has garnered an esteemed reputation as a foundational event in the projection mapping industry. With each iteration, it draws international attention and continues to evolve, allowing participants to express their creativity and innovation within a one to two-minute format. The theme for this year centered around Dialogue, encouraging artists to explore and express the multifaceted aspects of communication through their works.

For more information, visit the official website: 1minute Projection Mapping Competition.

Looking Ahead: TOKYO LIGHTS 2026

The competition also serves as a cornerstone event for TOKYO LIGHTS 2026, a light festival that celebrates Tokyo's luminous nights. This annual event highlights the intersection of projection mapping, art, and technology, inviting creators from all over the world to envision and express a brighter future. The festival is set to take place from May 23 to May 31, 2026, at Tochoma Plaza and Shinjuku Central Park.

Official website: TOKYO LIGHTS.