#Japan #Shinjuku #Kabukicho #sio #LOOP 2126

Kabukicho Transforms into a Future City with "LOOP 2126 ∞prelude∞" Festival

On April 25, 2026, IYS Corporation held an experiential science fiction festival titled "LOOP 2126 ∞prelude∞" in the vibrant district of Kabukicho, Shinjuku, drawing an impressive attendance of approximately 6,000 people. This innovative event creatively reinterpreted Kabukicho as a "future city," allowing attendees to not only envision but actively participate in an imaginative exploration of life 100 years ahead.

The festival featured an AI ambassador named "SIO," who guided participants through a world where humans and AI exist harmoniously. Under the theme of "Dance into the World of 2126," guests were encouraged to engage all their senses—seeing, touching, and experiencing a vision of the future.

Highlights of the Event

The festival unfolded in two parts: the day session and the night session. During the day, a selection of creators chosen through the open call "LOOP∞ OPEN CALL 2026" showcased a diverse array of performances and artworks, including AI visuals, art installations, social media content, fashion displays, and dance performances.

In the evening, ZEROTOKYO, one of Japan's largest night entertainment venues, hosted an immersive club event featuring 32 domestic and international artists. This segment intertwined visuals, music, lighting, and interactive art, providing a unique sci-fi experience that resonated deeply with attendees.

Day Session: Experiencing a Vision of the Future

The day session kicked off at 2:00 PM, centering around the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower and the Cinecity Square. Here, emerging creators presented their works and performances across a spectrum of media. The urban landscape of Kabukicho served as a testbed for this "future society," where visitors could explore an array of interactive experiences. Key highlights included:

• - AI visual art screenings on large outdoor displays in the Shinjuku area.
• - Presentations on a specially prepared stage for fashion, dance, and social media content.
• - An LED gateway and supercar displays, offering a glimpse into future transportation.
• - A wish-expressing ema (votive tablet) installation, inviting visitors to voice their visions for the future.
• - A talk session featuring actor Hiroshi Ishiguro, who interacted with festival-goers through various activities.

Attendees were captivated as they wandered the streets of Kabukicho, immersing themselves in the sensory experiences of this future narrative. Thanks to contributions from several individuals, including local car enthusiasts who showcased futuristic vehicles, the atmosphere perfectly evoked a sense of a forthcoming urban oasis.

Night Session: A Futuristic Celebration of Sound

As the sun set, the festival shifted to the high-energy environment of ZEROTOKYO at 11:00 PM, where music, lights, and visuals formed an enchanting interplay. With the energy in the city at its peak, this part of the event offered a more visceral and immersive sci-fi experience.

The night featured headline performances from globally recognized DJs including Nastia, as well as esteemed artists Risa Taniguchi and Meguru, catering to a diverse audience across five dynamic floors. The captivating performances continued until 4:30 AM, creating a pulsating atmosphere that contrasted with the earlier daylight experiences.

About the Open Call Initiative

"LOOP∞ OPEN CALL 2026" was designed as a platform for creators to express their visions of the world in 100 years. It attracted a myriad of applications from individual artists and teams, ranging from AI art to dance and fashion. The winners were recognized on stage, contributing to the festival's inventive landscape. The project emerged as a collaborative creation space, where everyone could participate in building a vision for future urban life.

Organizer's Remarks

The event's success hinged on the passionate collaboration of artists, DJs, and the vibrant setting of Kabukicho. This unprecedented fusion of creativity allowed participants to step beyond mere observation of the future—truly experiencing it. The next steps for the "LOOP 2126" project promise even greater developments, intriguing visitors and participants to join in future iterations of this immersive exploration.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: LOOP 2126 ∞prelude∞
• - Date: April 25, 2026
• - Locations: Cinecity Square / ZEROTOKYO, Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• - Attendance: Approximately 6,000 participants throughout the day and night sessions
• - Organizer: IYS Corporation
• - Official Website: loop8fest.com

IYS Corporation is dedicated to expanding Japan's rich intellectual property globally, merging cutting-edge digital technology with a global perspective. Their mission fosters creativity across entertainment domains, remaining a vital player in the evolving landscape of digital content.