Tokyo to host Guinness World Record projection mapping

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to host what it says will be the world’s largest permanent projection mapping of a building.

Japanese newspapers, such as The Japan Times and Nippon.com report that the display on the city government’s Main Building No 1 in Shinjuku will be approximately 14,000 sq metres in area.

This projection mapping will be 127 metres in height and 100 metres in width.

The government has already applied to the Guinness World Records for recognition of the achievement.

Starting on 25 February, free shows will project images against the eastern facade of the 48-storey building, with the projection rising from the building’s fourth to 32nd floors.

Shows will begin at 7pm and will be repeated every half hour, lasting 10 to 15 minutes each, while different designs will be projected on weekends and on public holidays.

The show’s opening night is scheduled to feature live performances and a Guinness World Records certification ceremony in the plaza at the foot of the building.

Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike commented: “I hope to make this a new tourist spot that travellers from both home and abroad come to visit at least once.”

A statement on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s website says: “In order to create a new tourism resource that colours Tokyo’s nights, we have begun showing projection mapping all year round, using Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1, one of Tokyo’s landmarks, as a canvas to express a variety of art using light and sound.

“On the first day of screening, we will hold an opening event (free of charge, application required) with live performance. In addition, this initiative is currently applying for a Guinness World Record as the largest architectural projection mapping exhibition (permanent).”