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2013.09.01 Xue Xue Institute, in Taipei 2013 TNT Forum＠Taipei Special content “Akari Children Workshop” In Xue Xue, the venue for Transnational Lighting Detectives Forum, they put an emphasis on children’s education and we received a request to have Akari’s workshop for children. We did a “Dark experience workshop” which is also done in Japan to teach “the importance of a small light”. After experiencing a completely darkened classroom with about 25 children, then light one lighter. We believe that children realized how bright the room the only lighter illuminates. Then compared with other light sources such as fluorescent lamps and LEDs, we learned how lively they are in the bright space.

City Night Walk in Kyoto 2019.09.26　Mutsuro Honma+Yumi Komatsu + Taiichiro Ishida+ Amane Kotani Our first investigation in Kansai in 4 years occurred in Kyoto. We investigated whether Kyoto, where there are many tourists all year round, is retaining its ‘Kyoto-ness’. The scene at our gathering after the stroll. Many first time participants in the strolls also participated here. Endless conversation filled the space. Main Objectives of Stroll about Town Kyoto Orientation It has been a year since I started living in Kyoto, but I still encounter charms of the place that I have not before. Its attractions are unique and various, and discovering them seems as if I’m drawing out even more of the beauty of the more I explore. Our investigation of Kyoto has been long awaited. ‘Kyoto is a city that is dear to all of us’ as Leader Mende-san’s introduced at the start of our event. I was very interested in how everyone would feel about Kyoto and excited to see what new attractions in Kyoto everyone would find. We explored Kyoto in 4 groups, each responsible for a Tourist attraction. Let us dive right into what we found! Group 1: Kiyamachi→Ponto-chou→Kamogawa The lights on the floor that ‘Lights the dark’ continues all the way to Minamiza Kiyamachi Street that runs along Takasu River that is supposed to be expressive The calm and soothing lighting in Pontochou Group 1 was in charge of Kiyamachi, Ponto-chou, and Kamogawa….

Guangzhou on the north shore of the Pearl River Delta As the saying goes “Eating in Guangzhou,” Cantonese cuisine is prepared in a wide variety of ways using almost anything under the sun. Residents carry that energy into the lighting environment that is equally diverse and full of activity, maybe a symbol of the recent economic development in China. Guangzhou Pearl River In the city limits of Guangzhou the Pearl River runs from west to east. The streets and buildings along the river face the water with people enjoying the night view from various places by cruising, strolling, and dinning. Guangzhou Xia Jiu Lu The pedestrian shopping street Xia Jiu Lu is famous for old shop houses and as a redeveloped entertainment district. Along with Chinese type red lanterns that line this street are an infinite amount of neon and other luminous signage that create a chaotic and exciting atmosphere. Shenzhen from Saige Plaza Tower After being labeled a special economic zone in the 1980`s, the population escalated and transformed the Shenzhen area into a gigantic urban beat. The city grew overnight like an illusion from a virtual world, but the population and high-rise condominium boom keep growing; which makes for an interesting nightscape.

Investigating the lighting of Kagurazaka known for its charming blend of Japanese and European cultures, reflected in its history, culture, and dishes.2024.11.18 Amane Kotani + Akira Tawarada + Noriko Higashi Our final city walk of 2024 took us to Tokyo’s Kagurazaka. This popular area is lined with small alleys filled with trendy cafes, restaurants, and izakayas. Tucked away behind the distinctive cobblestone streets are high-end ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants) and French restaurants without signs, creating a hidden gem atmosphere. It’s a perfect neighborhood for strolling, but what about its lighting? We divided into two groups of eight and set out to explore. Kagurazaka is a town with a hidden charm, blending the atmosphere of Edo with French culture. The cobblestone streets are lined with historic buildings and unique shops, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The area is particularly known for its dining options, with hidden restaurants and cafes offering delicious food and wine, making it popular with tourists. We explored the nighttime scenery of this charming town. ■ Team 1: Kagurazaka Alleyway Exploration RouteTeam 1, under the theme of “Kagurazaka Alleyway Exploration Course,” started from Iidabashi Station and explored various alleys. We were deeply impressed by the entire neighborhood’s high level of interest in lighting. There was a wide variety of lighting, such as illuminating shop signs while ensuring the safety of pedestrians and installing footlights on shop walls. As soon as we started our walk, we came across the illuminated…

Interviewer: Lin Huangyi (Akira) Akira：Mende-san, today I’d like to talk about the cost of losing dark sky. Perhaps we can continue our chat starting from the elevator as a warm-up to recall the value of starlight. What’s your most memorable experience of a starry night? Since we’re from different generations, I imagine our impressions might differ. Mende：One of my most unforgettable memories was in Annapurna, Nepal, at a mountain campsite. We were staying in tents, and one midnight I stepped outside—the galaxy was so close it felt like I could reach out and touch it. Everything was silent and dark, but the stars were overwhelming. I don’t know why, but tears came to my eyes. Akira：That sounds incredible. Maybe every human being, no matter what era or area they live in, will cry at this scene. It is kind of echo just like deep inside our subconscious. Once you’ve had that kind of moment, it never leaves you.For me, this happened during university in Chongqing. We visited the Jingxin Buddhist Temple (which literally means “Peaceful Mind”) on a mountain. This temple was part of a lighting project designed by BPI.When we got back to the hotel, there was a sudden blackout—the electricity system had broken down, and everything went dark for hours. At that moment, my classmates and I decided to do something crazy. We went back to the temple again, using only our phone flashlights. It was magical: the…