Tokyo Lights 2026: A Dazzling Celebration of Light in Tokyo
Tokyo is set to host an incredible artistic event: the
Tokyo Lights 2026 festival! Scheduled from
May 23 to 31, 2026, this exciting festival is organized by the
Projection Mapping International Award Tokyo Executive Committee. The Tōkyō Metropolitan Government’s iconic office building will become a stunning canvas displaying an array of breathtaking light shows and creative projection mapping.
A Fusion of Art and Technology
Launched in 2021, the
Tokyo Lights festival aims to celebrate the beauty of light while promoting Tokyo's culture and entertainment scene. It centers around a prestigious international projection mapping competition with participants from around the globe. The festival highlights the intersection of light, art, and technology, creating an exhilarating experience for audiences of all ages.
Each night, the festival will showcase innovative projections created by top-tier artists from both Japan and international locations. The festival seeks to send messages of creativity and hope for the future, enriching the cultural and tourism development of Tokyo.
Celebrating Global Talents: The 1minute Projection Mapping Competition
As part of the Tokyo Lights festival, the
1minute Projection Mapping Competition will take place, a globally recognized and revered event that began in 2012. This unique competition invites creators to submit projection mapping videos lasting between
1 to 1 minute 59 seconds. It features a diverse range of talents, from renowned artists to novice creators, all competing for the title of the best projection.
This year's theme is
“Dialogue”, calling for engaging and thought-provoking works that can spark conversations about art and society. The submission window for this year's competition runs from
December 1, 2025, to
March 1, 2026. Creators from all over the world are encouraged to participate, showcasing their unique stories through the medium of light. For more details on how to submit artwork, please visit the
official competition website.
Event Details
Here’s what attendees can expect:
- - Event Name: Tokyo Lights 2026
- - Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Citizens' Plaza (160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishi-Shinjuku 2-8-1), and the Nishi-Shinjuku area, including Shinjuku Central Park.
- - Dates: May 23 (Saturday) – May 31 (Sunday), 2026
-
1minute Projection Mapping Competition showings: May 23, 24, 30, and 31, 2026
-
Light Entertainment: May 23 – May 31, 2026
A New Cultural Landmark
The Tokyo Lights 2026 festival seeks to shine a light on Tokyo's vibrant nighttime entertainment culture while being inclusive for all ages. As the city continues to grow, initiatives like this festival are crucial for promoting tourism and cultural exchange through unique artistic experiences.
For more information, please visit the
official Tokyo Lights website or follow them on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
If you have any questions regarding the event, feel free to reach out to the Tokyo Lights 2026 office via email at
[email protected]. They are available for inquiries on weekdays, excluding holidays.
Join us in May 2026 to witness an extraordinary celebration of light that promises to make memories in the heart of Tokyo!