Continuing from December of 2024, the digital night event “Nightwalk Illumination in Fukuoka Castle・Korokan -- Chikakenya: Dances in the Night” is returning in March, 2025!

Starting from Shimonohashi Gate, the path leading to the Honmaru through the Nagaya-mon gate of the former Mori Tahei's residence and Matsunokizaka, the pine tree slope, will be decorated with beautiful lights, bamboo lights and projection mapping. In addition, there will be restaurants and bamboo light workshops in the park from Matsunokizaka to Honmaru, and in the Honmaru cherry blossom orchard, a dance performance by Koichiro Mori, a performing artist active mainly in Europe, will be projected in a stirring 3D holographic image.

There will be even more food and drink booths than there were last year, making it easy to enjoy a bite to eat while gazing upon the spectacular castle keep which will be illuminated during the same period. 

Traditional culture such as bamboo lighting and dancing, combined with the latest technology such as projection mapping and holograms, will provide visitors with a unique experience in a fantastic space where history and the future intersect.

Highlights

Projection Mapping [Bamboo Flowers: Dances in the Night]

The beauty of the cherry blossoms is made manifest with digital technology, with a fantastical light pervading the area. 

A New Type of Japanese Beauty [Bamboo Illumination]

By placing mysterious lights inside of bamboo stalks, new life is breathed into Fukuoka Castle. 

Bamboo Illumination Rally [Path of Light] 

Set up bamboo lanterns, collect keywords, and enter a drawing to win luxurious prizes!

Special Stage by Artist Koichiro Mori [Dance of the Spiritual Light]

A dance performance meant to symbolize the spirit of Fukuoka Castle.

Workshop and Rental [Bamboo Lantern Retreat]

Make your own bamboo lanterns and rent bamboo for the road of light.

CREATORS

General Director
Night Content Director: Eiichi Shimoda (下田 栄一)

A Content Director active primarily in western Japan, Eiichi Shimoda is a pioneer in introducing projection mapping at an early stage to spread new digital experiences to local communities. In addition to producing commercial films for numerous well-known companies and creating high-quality CGI, he works to merge digital innovation with traditional elements to craft enchanting spaces. As the General Director for Takehana Genya to Mai (Bamboo Flowers: Dances in the Night), Shimoda creates a unique light experience on the stage of Fukuoka Castle.

Digital Content Planning & Production
Runhunsha (ランハンシャ)

A Fukuoka-based collective of digital creators active across western Japan. Known for blending cutting-edge digital technologies with traditional culture, they host interactive art events worldwide, utilizing projection mapping and other innovative techniques. By staging events in scenic areas and cities, they create unforgettable moments for audiences.
≫Official Website　

Bamboo Lanterns
CHIKAKEN (ちかけん)

The world's first and leading producer group for "bamboo lantern" installations, originating in Japan. They captivate audiences by combining the natural beauty of bamboo with artistic light displays to create magical spaces. Their work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Jounetsu Tairiku.
≫Official Website　

Stage Artist
Koichiro Mori (森 弘一郎)

A stage artist active internationally, particularly in Europe, who garners attention worldwide for his unique body expressions and performances. For Takehana Genya to Mai, Mori choreographs and performs The Dance of Spiritual Light, symbolizing spirits, incorporating innovative movements and original compositions that blend Japanese and Western influences.
≫Official Website