AICHI NAGOYA ART＆LIGHTS: Important Cultural Property Buildings in Nagoya to Be Transformed by Digital Art from September 17, 2026

From September 17 to October 24, 2026, the outdoor event “AICHI NAGOYA ART＆LIGHTS” will be held in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, combining digital art and illuminated displays. The event will use the Aichi Prefectural Government Main Building and Nagoya City Hall Main Building, both designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, as its setting. Admission is free and no advance registration is required, allowing visitors to stop by the event freely.

The event aims to promote the digital transformation of cultural tourism by combining historic architecture with digital art and lighting. This article introduces the highlights of AICHI NAGOYA ART＆LIGHTS and the initiatives of Hitohata, the company producing the event.

An Art and Light Project Jointly Led by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City

Organized by the Aichi-Nagoya Downtown Art & Light Executive Committee, “AICHI NAGOYA ART＆LIGHTS” will be held every day from September 17 to October 24, 2026. The event will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each evening, using the western facades of the Aichi Prefectural Government Main Building and Nagoya City Hall Main Building, both designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, as the event venues.

A Light and Sound Program Set Against Historic Architecture

The event combines the architectural beauty of the Important Cultural Property buildings with contemporary digital art. Each program lasts approximately 10 minutes, consisting of around five minutes of digital art projection followed by approximately five minutes of lighting. The programs will be shown alternately in a loop across the two government buildings, accompanied by sound effects, allowing visitors to experience the presentation through both sight and sound.

Details of the programs are scheduled to be announced at a later date, with further attention expected on how the historic buildings will be transformed through digital art and lighting.

The parking lots at both buildings will be unavailable throughout the event period. As the venues are conveniently accessible from nearby train stations, visitors are encouraged to use public transportation. No advance registration or admission ticket is required, allowing visitors to stop by casually while enjoying an evening walk or exploring the city and experience the digital art at their convenience.

Digital Creative Company Hitohata Produces AICHI NAGOYA ART＆LIGHTS

The event is produced and created by Hitohata Co., Ltd., a digital creative company headquartered in Nagoya and active both in Japan and overseas. Established in 2019 under the leadership of CEO Takeaki Higashiyama, the company has produced more than 80 projection mapping projects in Japan and abroad.

Immersive Art Content Recognized in Japan and Overseas

Hitohata’s digital productions have been used to revitalize tourism resources in various regions. Its projects include “National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Tower Projection Mapping.”

The company’s “Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition” has attracted more than 500,000 visitors in total in cities including Paris and Tokyo. The immersive art experience transforms traditional Japanese artworks into 3D animation, allowing visitors to enter and experience the world of the artworks. The company’s “Moving Yokai Exhibition,” which focuses on Japanese yokai folklore, has also attracted more than 200,000 visitors.

Awards at International Creative Competitions

Hitohata’s digital content received a Gold Award at the international creative competition MUSE Creative Awards 2026. In Japan, the company has also won competitions organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Its ability to combine advanced technology with regional culture and develop creative concepts has received recognition from a range of organizations.

Digital Transformation of Cultural Tourism Through Local Cultural Resources

The event is an initiative jointly undertaken by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City to promote the digital transformation of cultural tourism by incorporating Hitohata’s technological capabilities. Rather than simply preserving historic buildings, the project focuses on using technology to enhance the value of local cultural tourism resources through digital experiences.

The Significance of Combining Historic Architecture with Advanced Digital Technology

The theme of the event is “AICHI・NAGOYA GRAND SPECTRUM — A City of Collaborative Creation Where Diverse Lights Intersect —.” The project aims to create new urban attractions by bringing together history and contemporary technology, as well as the public and private sectors.

By giving the historic buildings a different appearance at night, the project can enhance their appeal as tourism resources while also providing local residents with an opportunity to rediscover the attractions of their own city.

Future Plans for a Permanent Facility

Drawing on the expertise developed through its event projects, Hitohata plans to open its first permanent facility, “Moving Ukiyo-e Museum GINZA,” in Ginza, Tokyo, in spring 2027. By expanding from temporary projects to permanent exhibitions, the company aims to contribute to the long-term enhancement of tourism resources.

The project at the Aichi Prefectural Government Main Building and Nagoya City Hall Main Building will also serve as an opportunity to further develop and apply the company’s digital technologies.

A Special Autumn Evening in Nagoya Combining History and Technology

“AICHI NAGOYA ART＆LIGHTS” is an outdoor event for autumn 2026 that uses historic government buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan as its setting. Held free of charge in the evening from September 17 to October 24, the event will allow people returning from work as well as tourists to experience contemporary digital art without advance registration.

The combination of advanced digital expression and historic architecture offers a distinctive nighttime experience in central Nagoya. The event is expected to attract attention as one of the major illumination and digital art events taking place in the region.

Official Website: https://aichinagoyaartlights.com/

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