The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is the canvas for a spectacular projection mapping display known as “Tokyo Night & Light.” At 13,904 square meters, Tokyo Night & Light projections cover the 48-story building from its fourth to its 32nd floor. The nightly light show received the Guinness World Record as the largest permanent architectural projection-mapped display when it first took place in February 2024.
The free show is cast onto what was once the tallest building in Japan using 40 projectors that were specially developed by Panasonic for enhanced durability to withstand outdoor elements and is run using mainly solar-generated electricity. The projection is conducted nightly with each show lasting approximately 15 minutes at half-hour intervals. Each show showcases art and music created by a mix of Japanese and international artists, drawing inspiration from the country’s traditions, history, and landmarks.
In April of 2024, Tokyo Night & Light unveiled the monstrous “Godzilla: Attack on Tokyo!” show in recognition of the iconic kaiju franchise’s 70th anniversary. This is not the first time that Godzilla has left his mark on the tower however, in Godzilla vs King Ghidorah (1991) the titular kaiju do battle around the battered Tokyo Metropolitan Building.
