ABOUT
CONCEPT
In the city of Tokyo, behind the visible buildings and neon lights, countless “presences” exist that usually go unnoticed.
The flow of air, water, and wind. Memories accumulated within the city, and the lingering traces of emotions left by those who have passed through.
These are usually invisible to our eyes.
VISIBLE TOKYO is an attempt to shine light on this “invisible Tokyo.”
Through the power of technology and art, the city’s memories, information, and the energy of nature are visualized through light as a shared language.
The city is more than just a collection of structures.
It receives human emotions, responds to them, and communicates back.
It gathers records of emotion and reflects them as light.
That light becomes part of the memories of those who witness it, giving rise to new emotions and being carried forward into the city’s future.
TOPICS
The event program and featured content are now available.
PROGRAM has been released.
Tao Tsuchiya Appointed Official Ambassador for TOKYO LIGHTS 2026！
All 12 Works for “Light Art Park” Revealed!
PROGRAM
Program & Map Downloads
Special Opening feat. Music by Ado
The show will open with a medley of songs by Ado, an artist currently dominating the global music scene.
This performance brings together music, light, dance, and visuals to create a dynamic and large-scale new experience.The cutting-edge, next-generation performance team MPLUSPLUS DANCERS, along with supporting dancers, will immerse the audience in a light-driven performance, further enhanced by a special projection mapping production inspired by Ado’s unique artistic world.
* Screening Dates: Sat, May 23 / Sun, May 24 / Sat, May 30 / Sun, May 31
* Advance registration for the viewing area is required to watch this special opening performance.
* Ado herself will not appear in person.
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Ado
open profile
A 23-year-old Utaite singer, Ado, became a mainstream name through her 2020 major-label debut "Usseewa," which sparked a social phenomenon. Ado's first album Kyougen, released in January 2022, and UTA'S SONGS ONE PIECE FILM RED, an album featuring the songs from the film ONE PIECE FILM RED, both dominated the charts and became long-lasting hits.
She embarked on Ado FIRST WORLD TOUR "Wish" in February 2024, and in April 2024 performed a live concert at Japan National Stadium, becoming the first female solo artist ever to hold a show at the venue.
Celebrating the fifth anniversary of her major-label debut last year, Ado released her first greatest hits album, Ado's Best Adobum, in April and successfully completed her second world tour.
In February 2026, she published her autobiographical novel Vivarium: Ado and Me, and in July she will hold a live concert at NISSAN STADIUM.
Official website: https://www.universal-music.co.jp/ado/ -
MPLUSPLUS DANCERS
open profile
MPLUSPLUS DANCERS is a next-generation performance group that redefines the conventions of live performance through technology. Blending diverse physical expression with cutting-edge visual systems, the team creates one-of-a-kind stages that engage all five senses and expand the possibilities of live entertainment.
They gained international recognition after reaching the Semifinals of America’s Got Talent Season 17. In 2023, they appeared on major stages including the opening performance of the World Baseball Classic and TOKYO LIGHTS.
Following consecutive independent productions in 2024 and 2025, MPLUSPLUS DANCERS continue to evolve their performances both in Japan and internationally.
Official website: https://mplusplus-dancers.com/
1minute Projection Mapping Competition Award ceremony
Sat, May 30, 7:15 p.m. - 8:50 p.m.
From 412 entries submitted from 65 countries and regions around the world, 18 finalists have been selected. The winners of one of the world’s leading international projection mapping competitions will be announced from among these finalists.
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MC : Tetsuya Bessho
open profile
He made his Hollywood debut in Crisis 2050 in 1990 and has since been active internationally as a member of the Screen Actors Guild, working in both film and theater. In 1999, he founded the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, one of Asia’s leading international short film festivals, and received a commendation from the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs. He has also served as a Visit Japan Ambassador, Tokyo Tourism Ambassador, and Visiting Professor at Ritsumeikan University. He was selected by the Cabinet Office as one of the Japanese “actively sharing Japan with the world,” and has received the Tokiko Iwatani Award (Encouragement Prize) and the Yokohama Cultural Award.
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MC : Aki Shibuya
open profile
Raised in New York, she returned to Japan after graduating from Smith College. She trained with the Kita-ku Tsukakōhei Theatre Company and went on to build a multifaceted career across performance and media, including serving as a radio personality for FM Yokohama for 11 years. This spring, she concluded her role as a news presenter for NHK World, a position she had held since 2015, reporting on Japan for international audiences. She is currently active as a bilingual MC and journalist, and also appears on Spotlight, a YouTube program by the news platform Japan Today, where she explains current affairs in Japan in English for global viewers.
Grand Finale
Sun, May 31, 7:20 p.m. - 8:10 p.m.
At the Grand Finale of “TOKYO LIGHTS 2026,” official ambassador Tao Tsuchiya, together with special supporters Honoka Tsuchiya and Shinba Tsuchiya, will take the stage for a special one-night-only program reflecting on the event and exploring the future of “TOKYO LIGHTS.”
Speakers
Tao Tsuchiya (Official Ambassador)
Honoka Tsuchiya/Shinba Tsuchiya (Special Supporters)
Michiyuki Ishita (General Producer, “1minute Projection Mapping Competition”)
Kenji Kohashi (General Director, “Light Art Park”)
MC: Honami Inoue
Special Supporters
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Honoka Tsuchiya
open profile
Honoka Tsuchiya began her career as a cheerleader in the X League, Japan’s corporate American football league, while also taking on a wide range of activities across the entertainment field. After becoming the first-ever Miss Japan Grand Prix winner, she expanded her presence into stage productions and live events. She is also dedicated to improving childcare environments within the entertainment industry. In 2025, she took on multiple roles in the original reading theater production Boken no Hoshi (“Adventure Star”), contributing to its planning, production, and performance. Her creative challenge of incorporating projection mapping into the production was met with widespread praise.
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Shinba Tsuchiya
open profile
Shimba Tsuchiya began working as a suit actor during his high school years, where his experiences on stage inspired him to pursue a career in voice acting. He gained recognition for his role as Shuji Itō in Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, which was also featured in a special screening at “TOKYO Night & Light.” His upcoming projects include notable titles such as World Is Dancing (as Ishiya) and Suikoden (as Jowy). Alongside his voice acting career, he is also active on stage, including his performance as Shota Ota in Keigo Higashino Theater Vol.2: The Miracles of the Namiya General Store. He is also scheduled to appear in G.GARAGE///’s Winter Story (August) and Salome Company’s 12th production If You Don’t Swing, It Has No Meaning (November), where he will star.
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MC
Honami Inoueopen profile
From 2005 to 2006, she stayed in London as an overseas research fellow for emerging artists under a program of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan, and participated in the UK government initiative Creative Partnerships, where she gained practical experience in integrating arts and education. After returning to Japan, she has worked as an MC, narrator, lecturer, and actor, contributing to cultural promotion, human resource development, and regional revitalization. She has also served as a narrator for the International Projection Mapping Competition (2011–2024) and TOKYO NIGHT & LIGHT, and continues to be active across a wide range of cultural fields.
TOKYO LIGHTS Spot Rally
Enjoy a digital spot rally as you explore TOKYO LIGHTS 2026, a creative festival illuminating the nights of Tokyo.
Discover immersive light art installations while strolling through Nishi-Shinjuku.
May 23 (Sat), 2026, 5:00 p.m. – May 31 (Sun), 2026, 10:00 p.m.
How to Participate
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Tap to access the "Spot Rally"!
Spot Rally Rewards
Collect 5 Stamps
Receive a TOKYO LIGHTS exclusive sticker.
Complete All 7 Stamps
Receive either:
KOKUYO Sokuryo Yacho Notebook – TOKYO LIGHTS 2026 Edition
PENON Travel Magnet – TOKYO LIGHTS 2026 Edition
(250 available for each item)
* Rewards are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
* Reward Pickup Location: Fan More Time Hiroba, Shinjuku Central Park
* Reward Pickup Hours: May 23 (Sat) – May 31 (Sun), 2026 / 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Ambassador
Tao Tsuchiya
Born in Tokyo on February 3, 1995, Tao Tsuchiya made her film debut in Tokyo Sonata (2008) and rose to national prominence after being cast as the heroine of NHK’s morning drama series Mare (2015). Since then, she has built a wide-ranging career across film, television, stage, and animation, with more than 37 starring works as of 2026. Recognized for her solid acting ability, she has received the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 39th Japan Academy Awards, the Award for Excellent Actress in a Leading Role at the 41st Japan Academy Awards, and the Award for Excellent Actress in a Supporting Role at the 48th Japan Academy Awards. She is also widely praised for her dance and action performances, which draw on her strong physical abilities. In recent years, she has actively taken on new creative challenges in scriptwriting, planning, directing, and music, and incorporated projection mapping into a staged reading of her original script. Her upcoming releases include Matching TRUE LOVE (autumn) and SUKIYAKI Ue o Muite Aruko (December 25). She is currently appearing in TV Asahi’s Borderless: Wide Area Mobile Investigation Unit.
1minute Projection Mapping Competition Viewing Area Registration
Please note that attendance in the viewing area for the 1minute Projection Mapping Competition requires advance registration on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited capacity.
| Advance Registration | Registration opens: Thursday, April 28, 3:00 p.m. |
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| Venue | Viewing Area, Tokyo Metropolitan Government – Citizens’ Plaza |
| Admission fee | Free |
| Registration website | https://cloud-pass.jp/get/tokyolights2026?lang=en |
| Session schedule |
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ACCESS
- By Train
* Access to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1 -
JR / Odakyu Line / Keio Line
About 10 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station (West Exit)
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
About 5 minutes on foot from Nishi-Shinjuku Station (Exit E2)
Toei Oedo Line
About 1 minute on foot from Tochōmae Station (Exit A4-b)
- By Bus
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From Shinjuku Station West Exit (Underground Bus Terminal)
Take the Toei Bus (Tochō Loop Route) and get off at “Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1”.
FAQ
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- Q : Are there any participation restrictions?
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There are no participation restrictions for the event. Everyone who visits the venue on the day is welcome to enjoy the program.
However, for the international projection mapping competition, advance ticket registration (free of charge) is required.
Details regarding ticket availability will be announced at a later date.
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- Q : Is there parking available?
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If you are coming by car, please use nearby parking facilities.
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- Q : Will the event be canceled in case of severe weather or a disaster?
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In the event of severe weather or a disaster, participant safety will be our top priority.
If the event is canceled or postponed, updates will be announced promptly on the official website as well as via registered email and social media channels.
Please note that the event may also be canceled at the organizer’s discretion if transportation services are suspended or weather warnings are issued, making it difficult to proceed safely.
I first visited TOKYO LIGHTS in 2022. I was deeply moved by the experience, which felt as though I had traveled into another world, and since then my family and I have visited every year. It is a great honor to now take on the role of ambassador. Projection mapping and light art connect people and connect generations and perhaps may even connect us to the universe. I believe they hold limitless possibilities. I hope to share this experience with many people at the venue.