HATSUNE MIKU Comes to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building on July 25, 2026: New Program at One of the World’s Largest Permanent Projection Mapping Displays
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been presenting projection mapping throughout the year as a new nighttime tourism attraction. A new program featuring HATSUNE MIKU, the internationally popular virtual singer, will debut on July 25, 2026. Combining advanced visual technology and music against the nighttime skyline of Shinjuku, the program offers a new form of nighttime entertainment for international visitors and domestic tourists.
The Latest Projection Mapping Program at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Debuts on July 25, 2026
A new work has been added to the projection mapping program presented daily on the east wall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1. Titled “HATSUNE MIKU LIGHTS TOKYO,” the new program will debut on Saturday, July 25, 2026, offering an attractive nighttime experience for visitors from Japan and abroad and adding a new dimension to the nighttime scenery of Shinjuku.
Dynamic HATSUNE MIKU Visuals Set to a Popular Song
One of the key features of the program is its detailed visual interpretation of the popular song “M@GICAL☆CURE! LOVE ♥ SHOT!,” which has accumulated more than 40 million views. Taking full advantage of the building’s expansive wall, the program features a giant HATSUNE MIKU projected across the facade. Her delicate movements, accompanied by her singing, are combined with vivid beams of light that travel across the building, adding color and energy to the Shinjuku skyline at night.
The production is an updated version of the performance presented at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Countdown Event on New Year’s Eve 2025. This new version is designed to offer a fresh experience even for visitors who have seen the previous performance.
An Immersive Experience Linked to Smartphones and an Interactive Campaign
The program also incorporates features that allow audiences to experience the work through their own devices. During the instrumental section of the song, HATSUNE MIKU projected onto the building appears to dive into the audience’s smartphone screens. This creates an experience that extends beyond looking up at the building from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Citizens’ Plaza, bringing HATSUNE MIKU closer to visitors through their own devices.
In addition, an Instagram campaign will be held from July 15 to August 21, 2026, encouraging visitors to engage with the work online. By commenting on designated posts from the official Instagram account, participants can receive an original image via direct message. Two types of images are available and will be distributed at random. Participants can enter multiple times, creating a link between the on-site viewing experience and digital engagement.
Urban Design Where Creative Vision Meets Environmental Consideration
Program Directed by Media Artist Masaru Yokoi
The program was planned and directed by Masaru Yokoi, a creative director and urban experience designer. Yokoi works across a broad range of fields, from brand design in media to projects involving urban spaces. His previous work includes visual direction for numerous music programs and performance visuals for internationally renowned artists. He also served as the overall director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Countdown Event in 2025, where he led an immersive live performance featuring HATSUNE MIKU.
His expertise spanning urban spaces, digital technology, and public culture is reflected throughout the new program.
HATSUNE MIKU’s Growing Global Presence as a Virtual Singer
HATSUNE MIKU, the central character of the program, originated from software developed by Crypton Future Media, Inc. The technology allows users to create songs by inputting lyrics and melodies, and sparked a major creative movement as numerous creators began sharing their music online.
HATSUNE MIKU has since developed into an established character with a presence across merchandise, live performances, and other forms of entertainment. Her popularity extends beyond Japan to audiences around the world.
Featuring a globally recognized Japanese character in a major nighttime attraction in central Tokyo represents a strategic approach to attracting international visitors and connecting Japanese digital culture with tourism.
Balancing a Guinness World Record with Reduced Environmental Impact
The “TOKYO Night & Light” project combines entertainment value with an approach to urban challenges. The east wall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, which serves as the projection surface, covers approximately 13,904 square meters. It has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the “Largest architectural projection-mapped display (permanent).”
Despite the scale of the installation and its daily operation, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has also taken environmental considerations into account. Green electricity is used to power the projection mapping, positioning the project as a potential model for sustainable tourism attractions.
The Economic and Cultural Value of Nighttime Tourism in Tokyo Centered on Shinjuku
“TOKYO Night & Light” received the “Travelers’ Choice Award 2026” from one of the world’s largest travel information platforms. The award is given to attractions ranked among the top 10% based on reviews from travelers around the world, indicating that the project has gained international recognition as one of Tokyo’s tourism attractions.
“HATSUNE MIKU LIGHTS TOKYO,” which debuted on July 25, 2026, brings together Japanese virtual singer culture, advanced projection mapping technology, and environmentally conscious urban management. An accessible route using elevators inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is also available, allowing visitors with mobility needs to enjoy the projection mapping.
On July 25 and 26, the weekend immediately following the program’s debut, the HATSUNE MIKU program is scheduled to be screened twice each evening, at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
As a new option for experiencing Tokyo at night, this latest visual experience demonstrates how entertainment, tourism, technology, and urban development can be combined to create value for the local economy and tourism industry.
