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Compared to many cities, Yokohama is a relatively open city. Even with large high-raise buildings close-by you don’t feel enclosed and the added factor of a waterfront can help make anyone feel refreshed. The continually changing point of view from the Cosmos World Ferris wheel is a great way to observe the city. The Landmark Tower is often thought of as the symbol of Yokohama, but the Cosmos World Ferris Wheel could be the runner-up. In the dark night sky the Ferris wheel draws a perfectly beautiful circle of transparent layers of light, adding a deep appeal to the Yokohama nightscape. Looking south from the top of the Yokohama Cosmos World Ferris wheel. The illuminated Red Brick Warehouse expresses its self beautifully as it blends with the surroundings area and the blue twilight settling in on the Yokohama Bay. Ohsanbashi Pier and Yamashita Wharf complete the background. Looking from the vicinity of Yokohama Customs towards the Landmark Tower. In this newly developed area space is comparatively open. With only a few high-raise buildings, and reflection on the water the city seems bigger than it really is.

The 62nd Lighting Detectives Salon 2019.11.29　Noriko Higashi We facilitated a review of our exploration of Ikebukuro. We presented our findings as the 4 groups that explored Ikebukuro. It was a great discussion with 20 participants. Explanations using photos taken on the day Review of Ikebukuro Nightwalk Each group gathered their conclusion and presented them 20 participants sitting around a round table exchanging opinions We facilitated a review meeting for the Ikebukuro nightwalk that happened on November 15th. As we split into 4 different groups in Ikebukuro and explored completely different areas, it was a fun time with many unique details in each presentation. The Hero identified by group 1, who mainly explored the newly opened HAREZA and Sunshine 60, was the elegant white façade of PARCO, the HAREZA’s exterior, and the calm space of light in Naka-Ikebukuro Park. On the other hand, the villains they identified were the large home electronics retailers and the other streets that were too bright. The worse offense, however, was committed by the dark and gloomy East Ikebukuro Central Park. Group two explored starting at the East gate, then the Toshima area government office, and South Ikebukuro Park. Their villain that they identified was the overwhelming variety of bollard lights and streetlights. They perceived the glare from these lights to be quite strong and was just too bright. Group 2’s hero is the lighting on the Toshima area government office stairs and its railing and…

Hairstyles Interviewer:　Chika Makabe Makabe：Today I`d like to talk about your hairstyle. Also, I thought it might be fun to take a peek at your private life, a different side of the lighting designer, Mr. Mende. But let`s just see where the conversation takes us. Mende： Hmmm…Yes, let`s see… I am a very curious person, so I like to try new things. About my hairstyle, I have tried an afro before. Also, I used to part my hair straight down the middle! Makabe： I saw a rare picture of you with curly, permed hair when you were younger! For me, short hair, brushed back on the right side is the standard Mr. Mende. I don`t really have an impression of your playing around with your hairstyle. Mende：I think I got the perm right after I graduated from the university. I had a friend who lived in Nihonbashi and worked at a hair salon. This picture was taken around the time I just started working as a lighting designer. The ladies magazine JJ was doing a close up on “Up and Coming Lighting Designers.” Now that I see this picture again, it`s a little embarrassing. Although if I do something too strange, my wife will get after me! I have to consult with her, too! Makabe：I see. You take into account your partner`s feelings before trying a new hairstyle. By the way, on your online schedule, you have a monthly haircut scheduled…

Interviewer:　Chen Liwen Theme：The Bright future of Japan and China Mende　So what is the theme today? Chen　The bright future of Japan and China. Mende　That’s a whopper! Chen, you are Chinese, so can you answer a few of my questions too? Chen　This is different! Am I now the interviewee? Mende　How come you chose this topic? Chen　 I am Chinese, but often told that I seem very Japanese. So I think I can more objectively state some of the differences between Chinese and Japanese, but I am extremely self-conscious about it. If you can empathize a little with my point of view, it might be useful in some LPA business situations. Mende　 That`s good. Let’s start with a question I am really interested in; how do you think the Japanese and Chinese should get along together? Chen　 Compared to Japan, China is by far more populated, so I think self-assertion is stronger. If you don`t speak up, you go unheard and are just one of the crowd. So I think the drive to stand out is very strong. I don`t think there is any problem with coming on strong and holding your ground. On the other hand, one could do away with the formality of Japanese business and just relate in a more friendly way. Openly attacking the situation yourself is not a bad idea. Off the subject, over half of Japanese are type A and over half of Chinese are type B,…

Education between student and staff Interviewer:Zooey Li Mende：Hello Zooey, Education between student and staff is today’s topic, It’s quite interesting. Zooey：Yes, Mr. Mende, I thought you were a very good lighting design professor in a famous university and also are a very successful company leader. So I thought you should have powerful and rich stories of education for both of them. At the same time, I hope we will have a better understanding of each other through this topic. Mende：Sure, I am very happy to talk with you. For me, sharing and communication are very important. I do not think this talk is my personal interview. I am also very interested in what you guys are thinking. Zooey：Yes, indeed. Firstly, I would like to talk a little about why I chose this topic. Actually, my idea came exactly from this meeting room around three months ago. We had an internal design meeting with Itakura san. Also, we had a Video Conference with Tokyo colleagues in this room. On that day, I remembered Itakura san and Kentaro san were very kind and patient teaching us how to install the lighting fixture, and explaining the reasons and details. At that moment, I really felt the atmosphere was more like a school rather than a company. It was really nice and peaceful work environment as my viewpoint. Mende：HAHA, Really? Interesting! How did they teach you? Did they ask your ideas? The reason I…