Kobe's Vibrant Christmas with Spectacular Projection Mapping

The Ohtani Design Institute has successfully created an impressive large-scale projection mapping installation titled "KOBE CONNECTION - Sea, Mountain, and My City, Past and Future -" for the eagerly awaited "Sannomiya City Xmas 2025" event. This massive projection will take place on the west wall of the Kobe Hankyu main building, a prominent landmark in the Sannomiya area. The event will be held on December 6 and 7, 2025, and promises to deliver a stunning visual experience that bridges Kobe's rich history, contemporary culture, and the festive spirit of Christmas.

Background and Objectives

In collaboration with Kobe City, H2O Retailing Corporation, and Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores, this project aims to revitalize the Sannomiya area by showcasing its unique charms. Utilizing the architectural grandeur of the large wall at Kobe Hankyu, the project embodies the concept of "a portal connecting time and memory," effectively portraying the multifaceted nature of the city of Kobe.

The company has pooled its technical prowess and creative vision to provide an immersive visual experience that harmonizes live-action footage with stunning CGI. This project aims to foster a sense of community engagement, inviting locals and visitors to appreciate the artistic expression and cultural significance of their surroundings.

Unique Features of the Video Content

Concept: "KOBE CONNECTION - Sea, Mountain, and My City, Past and Future -"

The projection will feature three distinctive parts:

1. Kobe's History - The Creation of a Time Gate
Viewers will be transported back in time as the historical scenes of Kobe's port opening are recreated. Ships, including sailing and steam vessels, will dramatically emerge from the building's facade, delivering a compelling visual experience through the seamless integration of live-action and CGI.

2. Kobe's Modern Era - Visualization of Diversity
This segment will display the vibrant diversity of people thriving in Kobe's coastal, mountainous, and urban settings, capturing real-life footage. The narrative will follow the metaphor of flowers symbolizing thoughts, transforming into a bouquet and manifesting the message: "You will surely find your favorite in Kobe."

3. Christmas - A Performance of Light and Hope
This portion will feature breathtaking visual effects of snowflakes dancing through the sky, along with luminous corridors, gates, and arches, culminating in a grandeur of illumination that captures the spirit of the season.

Technical Challenges Overcome

- Optimization for Large Walls

The architectural features of the west wall of the Hankyu building were meticulously analyzed to ensure stunning projections free from distortion.

- Integration of Live Action and CGI

Footage filmed across various locations in Kobe will be expertly combined with high-level 3D CGI elements.

- Establishing a Coherent Narrative

The film's design weaves together Kobe's past, present, and future in an engaging 10-minute storyline.

- Interactive Content

A projection system will display messages from crowdfunding supporters, contributing to the interactive nature of the experience.

Event Information

- Dates: December 6 (Saturday) & December 7 (Sunday), 2025
- Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM each day
- Location: West wall of Kobe Hankyu main building (8-1-8 Onoegatadori, Chuo Ward, Kobe)
- Viewing: Free, no advance registration required
- Showtimes: 10 times per day (Each show lasts approximately 10 minutes, occurring every 15 minutes.)
- Viewing Area: Sidewalk across from Flower Road

Note: The event will go ahead in light rain. However, it may be subject to changes in case of severe weather or technical issues.

CEO's Statement

Koshi Aota, CEO of Ohtani Design Institute, expressed, "It is a tremendous honor to showcase the魅力 of Kobe, a historic port city, through cutting-edge projection mapping technology. By transforming the 'surface' of a building into a 'portal' connecting various times, we hope to deliver an exceptional experience to our audience. We invite you to witness a visual journey that unites Kobe's history, the heartfelt stories of its contemporary residents, and the hope of Christmas."