Date of Issue：December 29, 2021
・Activity 1 / City Night Survey : Akasaka, Tokyo（2021.10.27）
・Activity 2 / City Night Walk Vol. 68 : Small-group Night Walk (2021.11）
・Activity 3 / Round Table Discussion Vol. 67 ＠ ZOOM (2021.12.02）
City Night Survey : Akasaka, Tokyo
2021.10.27 Shunichi Ikeda + Erina Hosono + Namiko Watanabe
About three weeks after the state of emergency in Tokyo was lifted, we conducted our first urban night walk survey since the COVID-19 outbreak, heading to Akasaka. The area between Akasaka and Akasaka-mitsuke features both traditional establishments such as atmospheric ryotei (Japanesestyle restaurants) and neon-lit entertainment districts reminiscent of Kabukicho. At the same time, Akasaka has gained recognition as a tourist destination due to redevelopment centered around Akasaka Sacas. We surveyed the nighttime environment of this area where tradition, business, and nightlife coexist.
■Aerial Nightscape of Akasaka
The central area of Akasaka lies roughly in the middle of the cluster of high-rise buildings. At first glance, the nightscape viewed from above gives a rather subdued impression, due to the lack of prominent building illuminations or large advertising towers. However, upon closer inspection, one can see clusters of commercial lights peeking through the gaps between buildings. While the limited presence of dramatic lighting or decorative illuminations may make it less visually striking, the overall effect is a calm and environmentally friendly nightscape.
■Akasaka Sacas Area
Akasaka Sacas, a multi-use complex directly connected to Akasaka Station, is usually frequented by businesspeople and shoppers. However, likely due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of passersby during our survey was surprisingly low, which was unfortunate. The nighttime lighting around the base of the 179-meter-tall Akasaka Biz Tower is uniformly set to a relatively low color temperature of around 3000K. Although the ground-level areas felt slightly dim, the ambient glow from buildings and the display-type light installations effectively contributed to a sense of brightness. The plaza is lit through subtle, integrated lighting: uplights for trees, indirect lighting built into benches and stairs, and illumination embedded within the landscape and street furniture. The near absence of glare-inducing light elements across the space contributes to a visually comfortable atmosphere. Directly across the street lies a lively entertainment district illuminated in vibrant colors, making for an intriguing contrast between refined and chaotic lighting. (Shunichi Ikeda)
■Shopping Street Area
Running parallel to Sotobori Street, Akasaka’s three main north–south streets are Esplanade Akasaka Street, Misujidori, and Hitotsugi-dori. Esplanade Akasaka Street features warm lighting, with both streetlights and façade illumination generally around 2700K. The exterior lighting of the traditional ryotei(high-end Japanese restaurant), Akasaka Asada, uses an even warmer 2500K. Although many nightlife establishments line this street, the illuminated vertical signboards exude a sense of order that varies by building. Compared to the overwhelming and chaotic electric signage of Kabukicho, this street evokes a refined atmosphere more akin to Ginza’s Namiki-dori.
Next, strolling through Misujidori reveals a burst of colorful neon signage from karaoke bars, Don Quijote, izakayas, hotels, and a wide variety of Asian restaurants. The streetlights here emit a slightly cooler color temperature of around 3500K and are designed with motifs resembling the traditional kasa hats worn by rickshaw drivers, referencing the area’s history as a geisha district. A standout is the Collins 33 Building, with its blue dotted lights outlining the building’s frame — a striking, retro-futuristic presence reminiscent of a sci-fi attraction and reflective of the flashy exuberance of Japan’s bubble era.
Finally, Hitotsugi-dori, which offers a view of Akasaka Sacas (opened in 2008), is notable for its uniquely designed streetlights by architect Kazuhiro Ishii. These are known as Sandogasa for their triple-tilted hat-like form and were introduced in 2002. The street is lined with mid-sized office buildings and fast-food chains. Apart from the Sacas complex, external lighting is nearly absent, and the lack of soft vertical illumination gives the street an oddly cold and desolate feel despite its traffic volume.
Across Akasaka’s shopping district, ongoing efforts to bury power lines and remove utility poles have helped streamline the streetscape. The use of uniquely designed streetlights for each street highlights the distinct character of each area. Interestingly, although there is a notably high density of hotels in the neighborhood — many with small windows — the facades are often lit with elegant lighting. Louvers covering the windows, combined with façade lighting, enhance privacy while also adding a glamorous touch to the nighttime streetscape. (Erina Hosono)
■Akasaka-Mitsuke / Sotobori Street
Around 7 p.m., we observed Sotobori Street from the pedestrian overpass in front of Tokyu Plaza. One of the most striking impressions was the contrast between the bustling side streets of Akasaka and the relatively deserted main thoroughfare. Near Akasaka-Mitsuke, the road is a wide, three-lane street in each direction with a 6.5-meter-wide sidewalk, offering a clear view of the area. However, tall buildings rise like imposing walls on both sides, creating a sense of heaviness. While there are various illuminated signs and facade lighting, including those on Tokyu Plaza, there is a noticeable lack of lighting that clearly defines the street’s outline. As a result, the buildings seem to dissolve into the night sky — likely the reason why the area appeared so dark when viewed from above. At street level, 10-meter-tall pole-mounted HID lamps are used for road lighting, with separate fixtures installed for the roadway and the sidewalk. The sidewalk lamps are fitted with specially designed reflective shades on top, adding a unique visual accent to the otherwise subdued lighting scheme.
■Reflection on the Survey
This time, we conducted our survey from Akasaka to the Akasaka-Mitsuke area. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual post-work crowds enjoying the nightlife were noticeably absent. Nevertheless, we hope that this record, made during such a historically significant time, will prove to be of value in the context of the Lighting Detectives’ ongoing documentation. Through this investigation, we discovered that while the broader view of Akasaka from an elevated perspective may seem subdued, a closer, more macro-level observation reveals a complex layering of lighting identities. There is the contemporary lighting design of the Akasaka Sacas area; the chaotic, neondense entertainment streets lined with diverse signage; and the orderly yet indistinct nighttime cityscape of Akasaka-Mitsuke and Sotobori Street. These contrasting characteristics coexist within Akasaka like a shifting gradient of urban texture. One interesting discovery was the variety in streetlight designs across the three entertainment streets — Misujidori, Hitotsugidori, and Esplanade Akasaka Street — each reflecting the unique personality of its respective area. (Shunichi Ikeda)
City Night Walk Vol. 68 : Small-group Night Walk
Small-group Night Walk Live Review
2021.Nov. Naoko Oguchi + Narumi Mizuno + Shiho Ishizaki + Shinichi Sakaguchi + Sachiko Tsuji + Yuka Suzuki + Mutsuro Honma + Qin Tianyi
Waiting for the state of emergency to lift, we carried out the night walk surveys. Although in small groups, we were able to conduct them across many areas. We paid careful attention to COVID-19 infection control measures and held review sessions. Each team’s review was deep and thorough, reflecting the advantages of having a small number of participants.
■Shibuya
The Shibuya team investigated the third phase of the Shibuya Ward’s “THE TOKYO TOILET” project and Shibuya SKY. The public restroom at Yoyogi Hachiman, designed by Toyo Ito, uses indirect lighting that bounces softly off the ceiling, creating a gentle, warm light environment both inside and outside. Combined with its form, it created a cozy atmosphere and was thus considered a hero. Each restroom in the project has its own unique character, but considering ease of use for people, soft lighting seemed important.
Shibuya SKY is a facility 229 meters above Shibuya, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo’s nightscape. It eliminates glass barriers and minimizes unnecessary light from the facility itself, allowing visitors to enjoy the view without stress. The hammock area, where lighting is minimized to fully reveal the sky, was also praised as a hero. While carefully placed accent lights maintain brightness and create cool gradations of illumination, some areas like staircases felt a bit unsafe from a security perspective. As a side note, the Tokyo Skytree, in contrast to Tokyo Tower, felt glaring due to its strong lighting. Shibuya SKY offers a unique vantage point to observe Tokyo’s nightscape, so anyone who hasn’t been is highly encouraged to visit. (Naoko Oguchi)
■Kita-Aoyama
The Aoyama team explored “Nono Aoyama,” a newly completed area within the Kita-Aoyama redevelopment zone, and experienced the stark contrast it presents with the adjacent 59-year-old buildings awaiting future redevelopment.
They identified several “villains,” such as a newly constructed building with a color-controlled lighting system that clashes with the surrounding environment; an office building with glass facades that exposes cluttered interiors under harsh white lighting at night; and streetlights installed by the local merchants’ association that disrupt the atmosphere created by the individually lit storefronts.
On the other hand, heroes included the softly lit landscaping around Nono Aoyama. The gentle lighting wasn’t overly bright, yet still ensured safety while beautifully illuminating the surrounding wooded areas. Another hero was the nightscape of Shinjuku seen from the rooftop of the 59-yearold building—the contrast with the abandoned former Tokyo Metropolitan Housing complex below was particularly striking.
The dilapidated complex, now surrounded by temporary fencing, had the mood of a back alley that made some wonder, “Is this really Aoyama?” While some saw it as a villain, others commented, “I actually kind of like this atmosphere…” Comments like these came not just from Japanese participants, but also from those joining the salon from China. It was a reminder that lighting, as something etched into the five senses, resonates differently for everyone—shaped by individual memories and associations. (Narumi Mizuno)
■Asakusa
The team surveyed the Tori-no-Ichi festival held at Asakusa’s Ohtori Shrine. This event is beloved as a celebration for good fortune and business prosperity in the coming year, with the festive kumade (decorative rakes adorned with lucky charms) as its signature item. Despite the light rain on the day of the survey, the venue was bustling with crowds and a long queue formed just to get in. Passing through the shrine gate, visitors entered a path lined with kumade vendors. The lighting used by these stalls varied greatly—exposed LED bulbs, high color temperature lamps, and floodlights were commonly used, causing glare in many areas.
On the other hand, there were also thoughtful touches, such as paper umbrellas covering lamps to shield pedestrians from glare, and some stalls that used a few low color temperature bulbs in a tasteful way, creating a gentle and pleasant brightness.
At the end of the path stood the main shrine building, where walls of lanterns formed an impressive photo spot. This received high praise from the team. However, the floodlights nearby were aimed at the lanterns from the outside, which diminished the soft glow that would have come from within. It seemed that the space could have been even more enchanting had the lanterns been lit from the inside, allowing their original beauty to shine.
While the overall feedback was that the lighting felt “too bright and lacking cohesion,” many also said it was “a cheerful and lively festival atmosphere.” This highlighted the idea that for limitedtime festivals, creating a fun and vibrant mood may matter more than visual comfort. (Shiho Ishizaki)
■Takeshiba Area
We had visited Takeshiba during the night walk in July, but due to rain we weren’t able to conduct a thorough survey—so this was a return visit to properly explore the area. The area features many new developments, and overall the lighting gave off a pleasant atmosphere. At WATERS Takeshiba, color lighting was used in the landscape and canopy illumination, creating a playful and whimsical ambiance.
At Port City Takeshiba, deck-level footlights helped foster a calm and relaxed environment. The restaurant area was bustling with energy, evoking a sense of nostalgia—somehow reminiscent of the pre-pandemic days. As for villains, one standout was the backlit signage at Port City Takeshiba. The luminance was too high, making it uncomfortably bright. Additionally, the Lawson convenience store on the first floor was strikingly bright and had a high color temperature, making it feel out of place within the overall space.
With so many new and open facilities now available, we hope to see more people returning and bringing renewed energy to the area. (Shinichi Sakaguchi)
■Tokyo Station Area
With Christmas illuminations underway, the Tokyo Station and Marunouchi area lived up to its image as a refined, mature cityscape—leaving a strong positive impression when it came to lighting.
The streets, draped in elegant champagne gold LEDs, naturally lifted our spirits just by walking through them. The illuminations along Marunouchi Nakadori have become a winter tradition, drawing in large crowds. Despite the cold, visitors were clearly enjoying the dazzling atmosphere, and the area now stands out as one of Tokyo’s top winter illumination spots.
While Tokyo Station is home to many lighting “heroes,” there were still a few areas that could be improved. Some tree uplights were uncomfortably bright, and the north exit of Tokyo Station had permanent floodlights that were glaringly intense. Still, the Tokyo Station–Marunouchi district blends old and new, creating a nightscape full of visual highlights. Especially in Marunouchi, nighttime aesthetics are considered an integral part of urban design. With its stunning seasonal lighting, it’s an area where people can truly enjoy the night—one that you’ll want to visit again and again. (Sachiko Tsuji)
■Hisaya-odori Street, Nagoya
The Nagoya team conducted a night walk survey in Hisaya-odori Park, which opened about a year ago. The park integrates public green space with commercial facilities, stretching across the TV Tower area and the northern zone. Within the park, there are four main zones:
(1) the “Learning Forest Zone” adjacent to a large lawn,
(2) the “Urban Resort Zone” ideal for leisurely strolls along winding paths,
(3) the “Communication Zone” that enriches everyday life, and
(4) a new “Symbol Zone” showcasing the charm of Nagoya.
Each area offered distinct spatial and lighting characteristics, making for an exciting and varied walking experience.
A favorite spot among the team was the view of the TV Tower from the Forest Zone. The lighting and sense of spaciousness were well balanced, and the ambient light level was low enough that even bright stars could be seen overhead.
Another favorite was the view of the tower from between restaurants in the Urban Resort Zone. The area had a gentle slope, and the warm light spilling from the restaurants created a pleasant atmosphere. However, some lighting “villains” were spotted within the park. Trees lit with red LEDs gave off an eerie, ghost-like impression. From the central Sakae district, the view of the TV Tower was disrupted by three large monitors in the line of sight, which was disappointing.
Like Nagoya Station, Sakae is an area we’ll need to keep an eye on. We’re already looking forward to the next night walk survey. (Yuka Suzuki)
■Kyoto Station
This time, the Kyoto team conducted a night walk survey of Kyoto Station and its surrounding streets.
Kyoto Station, the gateway to a city rich in traditional culture, features a refined and understated design based on the concept of In-ei Raisan (In Praise of Shadows). It’s beloved by both tourists and locals, and the station itself could be considered a kind of lighting “hero.” However, our exploration of the surrounding area revealed some “villains” as well. Although the station was completed in 1997—an era when LED lighting was still more science fiction than reality—our current survey found that nearly all the lighting has been replaced with LEDs. While this transition to LEDs brings many advantages, particularly in terms of energy efficiency, it appears to have also fostered a few lighting villains. The most noticeable issue was deliberate dimming. In many places, lights had been selectively turned off. This was particularly problematic with the lighting that illuminates architectural structures from below—when these lights are dimmed or removed, the entire expression of the space changes dramatically.
The grand staircase featured a whimsical digital display. Some couples may enjoy the seasonal content, such as animations of Santa Claus, but when the space is constantly decorated with content that departs from the “praise of shadows” aesthetic, the station’s identity as Kyoto’s dignified entrance begins to fade.
Another lighting villain was the underground shopping arcade—unnaturally bright and lacking any Kyoto character. One team member noted that the stark contrast in brightness between the underground area and the station concourse might be why some people perceive Kyoto Station as “dark.” Given the walking time from the subway through the underground arcade to the station, the human eye simply can’t adjust quickly enough. (Mutsuo Honma)
■Suzhou, China
Suzhou Nocturne
“In the spring, petals fall upon the water in Suzhou,
Do the willows weep, mourning their fleeting beauty?
The blossoms drift away on flowing streams—
Though we do not know where the waters lead tomorrow…”
— Excerpt from “Suzhou Nocturne”
According to historical records, Suzhou’s history stretches back over 4,000 years. Among the many notable chapters in that long history, one of the most significant is the construction of Suzhou City during the Spring and Autumn period about 2,500 years ago, when it served as the capital of the ancient Wu Kingdom. For this night walk survey, we explored the area of Pingjiang Road—a district that perfectly represents one of Suzhou’s defining characteristics: the way its streets run parallel to canals, with the cityscape and waterways existing side by side. The most prominent “villain” we encountered during our walk was the over-the-top signage. In China, signage seems to prioritize visibility above all else. For instance, brightly colored and oddly shaped signs are boldly affixed even to historic buildings. While they may appear striking at first glance, mounting these signs on old brick walls results in irreversible damage. It’s especially disheartening to see such signs installed on structures with historical value.
Another visual offender was the use of color lighting on trees. In China, it’s quite common to see greenery lit up in green at night—so much so that it has become almost unremarkable. However, when red and green are used together, even in the name of Christmas, it becomes difficult to excuse the visual clash.
On the other hand, the “hero” of the nightscape was the line lighting installed along the riverbanks, shimmering as it reflected off the water’s surface. What made it special was that the fixtures weren’t directly illuminating the river—instead, the lights were aimed upward, with the glow rebounding gently to illuminate the water below. This indirect lighting created a soft, serene atmosphere. The sparkling surface of the river and the swaying boats together formed a quintessential Suzhou scene. Surely, it’s the power of lighting that brings such a view to life.
I also felt that the streetlights deserved to be called heroes. Their light sources were enclosed in plastic covers, which diffused the light gently and created a calming effect. They paired beautifully with the high-reflectance stone pavement, and when it rained, the combination created an especially atmospheric and charming setting. Past and future alike, Suzhou has always been deeply connected to water. I truly hope that its nights continue to become more enchanting through lighting design. And once the COVID era is behind us, wouldn’t it be wonderful to go on a night walk survey in Suzhou with all the Lighting Detectives? (Qin Tianyi)
Because the groups were small, everyone had a chance to share their thoughts as we walked, making each team’s night walk survey deeply engaging and meaningful. We were also able to hold reflection sessions afterward, which allowed us to immediately review what we had observed. It felt like the joy of discussing lighting had bloomed again after a long while.
In China, one of our members even did the night walk survey solo, showing how the format has evolved under the pandemic. While this style of survey will likely continue for a while, it’s becoming more feasible to hold walks not only in Tokyo but also in various other regions.
The Nagoya team was actually formed after someone reached out saying, “I’d love to do a night walk survey in Nagoya.” We contacted Lighting Detectives members living in Aichi Prefecture, and five people gathered, making the survey possible. A night walk can be held as long as a few people come together, so even if you’ve never participated in a Tokyo walk before, please feel free to join in. Let’s carry out night walk surveys all over Japan and grow the Lighting Detectives community! (Noriko Higashi)
Round Table Discussion vol.67 @ ZOOM
Small-Group Night Walk Review
2021.12.02 Noriko HIgashi
This salon was held online as a review of the small-group night walk surveys conducted in November, with 22 participants attending. The session ended up running 30 minutes over time, filled with rich and engaging content.
This was the 7th time we hosted a salon online. While the convenience of joining from anywhere is a clear benefit, there’s still something missing in terms of the sense of unity that comes from gathering in person for discussions. That said, the idea of conducting simultaneous night walk surveys in different locations and coming together afterward for an online review—something we never would have considered before COVI —has proven to be a highly effective approach.
This time, the reviewed areas included five locations in Tokyo, as well as Kyoto, Nagoya, and Suzhou in China, totaling eight locations. Unlike our previous format where a single area would be divided into three or four sections for review, this time each report focused on completely different areas. As a result, the volume of information needed to explain not just the lighting but also the local context was vastly greater. We initially planned for a 90-minute salon, but it quickly became clear that wasn’t enough time—we ended up going 30 minutes over.
The content shared during the salon followed the night walk survey reports from the previous page, and once again, each team prepared impressively thorough materials for their presentation. Every time, I’m struck by how rich these reports are, and it feels like a shame to share them only within the salon setting. Moving forward, we hope to begin publishing these materials on the Lighting
Detectives website starting next year.
We are also considering trying out online platforms beyond just Zoom—tools that might allow for more interactive communication among participants. Since it seems that COVID-19 will continue to restrict our activities for a while longer, this may be the perfect time to explore ways to make the wealth of information we’ve accumulated—surveys, photographs, salon reports, and more—publicly accessible in some form.
We’re also looking to collect ideas from our members. If there’s a type of activity you’d like us to pursue, or an area you’d like to see investigated, please don’t hesitate to contact the office with your suggestions.
In addition, we’re always happy to receive photos related to lighting. Submitted images are shared weekly on our social media channels, so be sure to check those out along with the website. Let’s hope that next year we’ll be able to resume in-person night walks and night-watching tours. We look forward to another exciting year of Lighting Detectives activities! (Noriko Higashi)
