TOKYO LIGHTS New Initiative: "International Symposium" Held on September 10 Domestic and international experts gather for an open discussion on the future of inbound tourism and the nighttime economy.
2023.8.24
～ Held as a new initiative of “TOKYO LIGHTS,” a festival that sends messages to the future and has become a new seasonal tradition of light in Tokyo ～
The Projection Mapping Association (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Michiyuki Ishi) has planned the “TOKYO LIGHTS 2023 International Symposium” (hereinafter referred to as the International Symposium), to be held on September 10, as a new initiative for the light festival "TOKYO LIGHTS 2023" taking place in September 2023.
We will invite two festival directors from globally renowned light festivals that attract millions of visitors each time and significantly contribute to inbound demand. They will share insights on global nighttime trends. We will analyze Japan's current situation in relation to these trends, engage in discussions with content providers and tourism stakeholders, and foster collaboration among organizations and businesses to build momentum.
▶ TOKYO LIGHTS2023チケット購入サイト：https://peatix.com/group/12752261/events
General admission tickets for this international symposium have been selling exceptionally well, indicating particularly high interest from industry professionals.
In Part 1: Keynote Speeches of the international symposium, two festival directors will take the stage: one from VIVID SYDNEY, the world's largest urban light festival held in Sydney, Australia; and one from Fête des Lumières in Lyon, France, a historically significant festival that has influenced light festivals worldwide. They will share real insights into these global nighttime tourism festivals centered around light and art, revealing the behind-the-scenes realities.
【Part 2: Sessions + Panel Discussion】will feature the visiting festival directors, alongside Michiyuki Ishi, founder of the light festival 'TOKYO LIGHTS' and general producer of the world's largest international projection mapping competition; alongside two leading global projection mapping creators: László Zsolt Bordos and AVA Animation & Visual Arts. Joining them will be Takahiro Saito and Takaaki Umezawa from the Nighttime Economy Promotion Council, a general incorporated association driving Japan's nighttime scene. Together, they will engage in a passionate panel discussion covering global light festivals, projection mapping, and the nighttime economy. (Titles omitted)
▶本件に関するお問い合わせ：一般財団法人プロジェクションマッピング協会 事務局
Email: info@projection-mapping.jp / Phone: 03-6416-9496
※Please submit your interview request in advance.
▼ International Symposium Overview
Name: TOKYO LIGHTS International Symposium
Organized by: TOKYO LIGHTS 2023 Executive Committee
Planning and Production: Projection Mapping Association, General Incorporated Foundation
Planning Cooperation: Nighttime Economy Promotion Council, General Incorporated Association
Cooperation: Mori Building Co., Ltd., Poketalk Inc.
Date and Time: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Venue: Toranomon Hills Forum Hall B (Toranomon Hills Mori Tower 4F)
Language: Japanese-English (Provides instant interpretation using Poketalk ※Requires a smartphone)
Participation fee: Free
▼ Symposium Schedule (Titles Omitted)
◆ Part 1: Keynote Address
10:30–10:40 Introduction: "About TOKYO LIGHTS" (Tomoyuki Ishitani)
10:40–11:20 ① "About the Fête des Lumières" (Julien Pavillard)
11:20 AM - 12:00 PM ② "About VIVID SYDNEY" (Gill Minervini)
12:00–13:00 —LUNCH BREAK—
◆ Part 2: Sessions + Panel Discussion
13:00–13:15 ③ Current State of Nighttime in Japan and the World (Nighttime Economy Promotion Council, Takahiro Saito)
1:15 PM - 1:55 PM ④ Panel Discussion: Behind the Scenes of the Festival of Lights
(Gill Minervini, Julien Pavillard, Facilitated by: Takaaki Umezawa)
13:55–14:10 ⑤ Japan's Direction (Takaaki Umezawa, Takahiro Saito, Michiyuki Ishitani)
14:10–14:30 ~Short Break / Tea Time~
14:30–15:10 ⑥ The Experiential World Brought by Projection Mapping and the Future of Visuals
(László Zsolt Bordos and AVA Animation & Visual Arts, Tomoyuki Ishi)
▼ Venue Image
▼ Speaker Biographies (Titles Omitted)
◆ Keynote Speech + Panel Discussion
Festival Director of the Festival of Lights
Julien Pavillard
With extensive experience in urban arts initiatives, including organizing art festivals across France, he has long been active as an expert in social activities related to light and video.
For over a decade, I have served as a coordinator for the Fête des Lumières, Lyon's renowned Festival of Lights with a long-standing history. This festival, held for just three to four days, attracts 3 to 4 million visitors, solidifying its position as Lyon's largest tourist attraction.
VIVID SYDNEY Festival Director
Gill Minervini
With over 30 years of experience directing festivals and large-scale events as a creative director, producer, curator, and consultant.
He was appointed Festival Director of VIVID SYDNEY in March 2021 and has continued in the role for 2022 and 2023.
Overall Facilitator of this Symposium, Founder and Chief Supervisor of TOKYO LIGHTS
1-Minute Projection Mapping Competition Executive Producer
Ishita Michiyuki
As an artist and director who captures video as light and expresses it spatially, he creates unique works and projects both domestically and internationally. In recent years, he has expanded his work across diverse fields, primarily through projection mapping. This includes international competitions, curated exhibitions, spatial design, live and stage production, international projects, tourism and public works, as well as talent development through workshops and university lectures. He has also handled numerous projects highlighting regional characteristics, such as the Tokyo-based light festival "TOKYO LIGHTS," "NIGHT WAVE" which illuminates ocean waves in blue, night walks, and various art projects.
Representative of Bordos Art Works
World-renowned pioneer in projection mapping
László Zsolt Bordos
As the creative production company "Bordos Art Works," he has been active at the forefront of video production for many years. Engaging in projection mapping production for over 20 years, he has won numerous awards at international art festivals. He established the Light Art Department at Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in Budapest, Hungary, and has contributed to educating the next generation, making him one of the world's pioneering figures who has been active since the dawn of this industry.
A video production company based in Toronto, Canada, active worldwide
AVA Animation & Visual Arts
Based in Toronto, Canada, this video production company operates globally with a diverse client roster. It holds the record for the most entries in the 1minute Projection Mapping Competition, reaching the finals in nearly all submissions and earning numerous awards. The company also contributes to Canada's artistic and cultural development by producing citywide art events that engage the entire community.
【 General Incorporated Association Nighttime Economy Promotion Council 】
Representative Director Takahiro Saito Field-R Law Office, Attorney at Law
As a lawyer, I provide legal consulting services while supporting the creation of new markets through regulatory compliance and various rule-making initiatives.
Led the revision of the Entertainment Business Act regulating nighttime entertainment, and after the revision, supported the formulation and implementation of nighttime economy policies in roles such as Chair of the Private Advisory Board for the Nighttime Economy Parliamentary League.
A.T. Carney Japan Chairman / CIC Japan Chairman
Director Takaaki Umezawa
A.T. Carney has 25 years of consulting experience in strategy, innovation, and community development in Japan and the United States. At CIC Tokyo, one of Japan's largest innovation centers, he built a community connecting entrepreneurs, investors, large corporations, researchers, and government officials.
Through committees and initiatives of the Japan Tourism Agency and the Agency for Cultural Affairs, luxury tourism, cultural tourism,
Supporting the formulation and implementation of policies such as sustainable tourism and Cool Japan.
▼ About the General Incorporated Association Nighttime Economy Promotion Council
Since its launch in 2021, TOKYO LIGHTS has emerged as a new Tokyo tradition, sending a message to the future.
This is a light event. TOKYO LIGHTS' 'LIGHTS' embodies a "vision" that points to future possibilities,
"Advanced techniques" that demonstrate expressive capabilities, "talent" poised to lead the future, and the "community" that nurtures and gathers them
It carries many meanings. We will gather these "lights" and deliver a message of hope that shines through their chemical reaction from Tokyo to the world.
At TOKYO LIGHTS, the International Competition is held at the Seito Memorial Art Museum.
At the Meiji Jingu Gaien General Ballpark Softball Field,
The Festival of Light, blending light art and music, will be held, allowing you to enjoy the entire venue.
▶ TOKYO LIGHTS2023チケット購入サイト：https://peatix.com/group/12752261/events