Overview
2026.7.1
1-Minute Projection Mapping Competition at TOKYO LIGHTS 2026
Now in its 13th year, the “1-Minute Projection Mapping Competition” featured a particularly rich program compared to previous editions. In addition to the freshness brought by moving the venue from the Seito Memorial Art Museum in Meiji Jingu Gaien to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, the trust and track record built up over the years led to a significant increase in both the number of entries and participating countries, while the quality of the works also improved considerably.
The theme of “Dialogue” may not have been an easy subject for creators to tackle. However, driven by the importance of dialogue in modern society and the synergistic effect of the symbolic architectural space of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, a diverse array of high-quality works was gathered from around the world. Each of the 18 selected finalists’ works offered a unique perspective and style of expression, presenting diverse interpretations and messages regarding the theme of “Dialogue.”
The intersection of diverse values and cultural backgrounds made for a highly compelling lineup of screened works, and many visitors expressed their deep appreciation. The fact that creators from around the world engaged with the question of “dialogue” and expressed their individual answers through film was a major achievement unique to this competition.
■ About the Award-Winning Works
The five award-winning works, including the GRAND PRIZE, were all of a high standard of craftsmanship while possessing distinct charms and individuality, resulting in an outcome that symbolized the diversity of the festival as a whole.
The GRAND PRIZE-winning entry, “Signal Bleed” from Brazil, was a work rich in variation and narrative depth from beginning to end. The story was carefully crafted, beginning with the depiction of fingertips reaching out to touch a building, and progressing through the walls and conflicts that hinder dialogue, the will to overcome them, and ultimately leading to hope for the future. As a projection mapping piece, it skillfully utilized the architectural structure and achieved a high level of polish through beautiful, translucent visual expressions.
The work by VPM from Spain, which won the SECOND PRIZE, utilized the trick-art-like effects unique to projection mapping to portray the relationship between the building and the audience itself as a form of “dialogue.” As the only monochrome entry among the award-winning works, it was highly praised for its classic yet sophisticated approach to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
The work by Bigcool from Thailand, which won THIRD PRIZE, stood out among this year’s lineup for its exceptional entertainment value. Using unique music and visual expressions, it unfolded an approachable world inspired by Japanese manga and anime. The story—in which two contrasting musical styles clash before eventually moving toward harmony—drew the audience in, and the performance reached a fever pitch, even eliciting laughter from the audience toward the end.
The work by Anionavision from Romania, which won the Tokyo Tokyo PRIZE, left a vivid impression on the audience through its striking visuals and music. Through diverse forms of communication—such as graffiti on walls, words, songs, and sign language—the work depicted the power of “dialogue,” and its dynamic staging, in which a giant figure seemed to loom over the audience, was highly praised.
The AUDIENCE PRIZE was awarded to a work by Taro Narahara from Japan. As a creator from the host country, he garnered strong support from the audience and received a number of votes that far surpassed those of the other entries. The production, in which the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building nimbly transformed into machines and robots, complemented the architecture well and was an impressive work that combined clear entertainment value with a powerful message.
Once again, the creators’ imagination and expressive power far exceeded our expectations. Their creativity provided new inspiration and excitement not only to the audience but also to many people involved in projection mapping and visual media.
Even among the entries that were not selected as finalists this time, there were numerous outstanding works that were in no way inferior to the award-winning or finalist entries. However, due to screening time constraints and operational limitations of the competition, it was not possible to showcase every entry. We would like to express our heartfelt respect and gratitude to all the creators who submitted their works to this competition and took on the challenge of production. Each and every one of these challenges supports this competition and serves as the driving force that propels the global culture of projection mapping forward.
“Light born from dialogue connects people across nations and cultures, serving as a bridge to the future.”
Visit the official TOKYO LIGHTS 2026 website here: https://tokyolights.jp/
Click here for event details: https://1minute-pm.com/event/2026/
