The grand opening of Takanawa Gateway City is here! Does a city built for the next century reveal new evolutions in lighting design? Join us for a city walk as we investigate the “now” and “future” of urban light. ≪Details≫ When: Thursday, May 21, 2026 | Starts at 18:45Where: Takanawa Gateway Station, North Exit (Outside the ticket gate)Participation Fee: Approx. ¥2,500–¥3,000 (For the post-walk social gathering)Items to bring: Stationery and a camera (Your smartphone is perfect!)How to Join If you are a member and would like to join, please email office@shomei-tanteidan.org by May 7 (Thu) with your name, affiliation, mobile number, email, and whether or not you have an illuminance meter. We can’t wait to explore the city with you!

Following our Shinjuku City Walk on March 6th, we’re holding a Review Salon to share our findings! This walk was packed with highlights, including the dizzying pace of development around Shinjuku Station, stunning panoramic night views from high above at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and the atmospheric, retro vibes of Omoide Yokocho. Come and join the conversation as we dive into the unique nightscape of Shinjuku. We hope to see you there! Outline Looking forward to meeting you there!

Lighting Detectives Jr. Workshop in Tsukudajima (March 2026) We will hold the “Lighting Detectives Jr. Workshop” during the March spring break in Tsukudajima, where our office is located. This year’s theme is: “Hunting for Lighting Heroes and Villains in Tsukuda & Lighting Up: Making the invisible visible to create new city symbols.” The workshop aims to explore several questions with the children: Do “Lighting Heroes and Villains” exist in our daily environment? What is “light pollution,” and is it present in our town? Are there landmarks that remain hidden in the darkness of the night? Through this program, we will survey the role of light in our community. Workshop Overview Date & Time: Friday, March 20, 2026 (During Spring Break) Meeting Point: LPA Office, Peer West Square 1F, 1-11-8 Tsukuda, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Target Audience: Primarily upper elementary and junior high school students (Maximum 20 participants) What to Bring: Smartphone (or camera), writing utensils Admission: Free for children Time Schedule 16:45 – 17:00 | Arrival & Registration 17:00 – 17:20 | Orientation 17:20 – 17:50 | Group Work: Predicting “Which Lighting Heroes and Villains are Hiding?” 18:00 – 19:00 | City Walk & Lighting Up Session 19:00 – 19:30 | Break & Bento Dinner: Groups select their favorite “Night Treasure.” 19:30 – 19:45 | “Night Treasure” Presentations 19:45 – 20:00 | Review & Awards Ceremony How to Register Please apply via email by March 12, 2026, with the following information: Email…

Last autumn, our planned tour to Izu Oshima was unfortunately canceled due to a typhoon. Despite our hopes, the ferry services were suspended, and we were deeply disappointed. We are excited to announce a rescheduled tour this April, skipping the cold winter season. Please join us to witness the beautiful starry skies of Tokyo during the new moon. We look forward to your participation!

Our first city walk of 2026 takes us to Shinjuku. While it is a district that breathes and evolves like a living organism, this particular tour is set to cover an especially wide range of its ever-shifting landscape. Theme: Unraveling Shinjuku’s Past, Present, and Future through Layers of Light We will observe and compare the diverse “faces” of Shinjuku—from the futuristic aura of its towering skyscrapers and the meditative silence of historical shrines to the nostalgic backalleys that still whisper the stories of the Showa era—all through the lens of the lighting environment. Participants will experience firsthand how the varying “light density” and “color palettes” of each area shape the city’s unique identity, even within the same Shinjuku nightscape. 【Event Overview】-Date & Time: Friday, March 6, 2026 | Meetup at 18:30-Location: Shinjuku-What to Bring: Writing materials, camera (smartphone cameras are fine)-How to Register: To join us, please send an email to office@shomei-tanteidan.org by Monday, February 16, including the following information: Full Name/Affiliation (Company/School)/Mobile Phone Number/Email Address/Whether you have a lux meter (Yes/No) We look forward to seeing you there!

We are once again looking for passionate individuals to join us in planning and managing the Lighting Detectives’ activities, including our Town Walks, Salons, and Night Watching Tours. Role & Responsibilities: Term: One year. Scope: You will be responsible for leading one of our three annual Town Walks. Tasks: This includes everything from brainstorming and selecting locations to conducting site inspections and facilitating the event on the day. In 2025, we successfully organized walks in Tachikawa, Gakugei-daigaku, and Shinjuku. Let’s work together to create even more exciting programs this year!Whether you are a long-time fan or a first-time participant, we welcome your energy and ideas. We look forward to your application! [How to Apply] Email: office@shomei-tanteidan.org Subject Line: Application for SQUAD Required Info: Full name, affiliation, email address, and a brief statement of interest. [Application Deadline] Sunday, February 15th

We are pleased to announce the annual activity report meeting for the Lighting Detectives members. In addition to the 2025 report, we have prepared a variety of activities, including quizzes and games, so please join us for a fun-filled evening! Date: Friday, January 09, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (JPT)Venue: To be determined in Tokyo based on the number of participants.Fee: Approximately 5,000 yenHow to apply: Please send an email to office@shomei-tanteidan.org by December 1st with your name, affiliation, and mobile phone number. We look forward to seeing you there!

Night Watching Tour Returns! Our night watching tour is back! After a five-year hiatus since our last tour in February 2020 at Ouchi-juku (before COVID), we’re excited to announce the next tour will be held this September.Can you see the stars in Tokyo? This tour marks the first installment of our “Tokyo Stargazing Exploration” series, and we’ll begin our observations from Oshima Island. Tour Outline Here’s an outline of our upcoming tour: Dates: Friday, September 5, 2025 – Saturday, September 6, 2025 (1 night, 2 days) Participation Fee: Approximately ¥40,000 (subject to change based on the number of participants) Schedule Day 1 8:50 AM: Depart Takeshiba by jet ferry 10:35 AM: Arrive at Oshima & complete rental car procedures 12:00 PM: Lunch Afternoon: Visit Oshima Geopark 5:00 PM: Hotel check-in 6:00 PM: Dinner 8:00 PM: Stargazing Day 2 Morning: Activities divided into two teams: mountain climbing and marine activities 3:00 PM: Depart Oshima 4:45 PM: Arrive at Takeshiba 5:00 PM: Dismissal How to Apply Members wishing to participate should send an email to office@shomei-tanteidan.org with the following information: Name, Affiliation, Mobile Number, and Email Address. Please apply by Tuesday, July 1st. We look forward to your participation!    

“Light-up Ninja” Comes to China for the First Time! Get ready for the inaugural “Light-up Ninja” event in China! We’re partnering with the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture and Urban Planning to bring this illuminating experience to Guangzhou’s University Town, specifically around Nanting Pier. This unique event encourages students to venture beyond campus walls and creatively shape urban environments with light. By experimenting with various light sources and fixtures, they aim to transform everyday cityscapes into enchanting nocturnal spaces. Through hands-on manipulation of light, students will gain a deep appreciation for its spontaneous character and its dynamic, fleeting beauty. June 12th marks our public open evening. If you find yourself in Guangzhou, we warmly invite you to visit the Nanting Pier area. A special light-up presentation will commence at 7:00 PM. For comprehensive information, please refer to the Lighting Detectives’ official website and LPA’s official WeChat account. Event Details -Event Name: Lighting Detectives Workshop 2025 “Light-up Ninja in Guangzhou”-Dates: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 – Thursday, June 12, 2025-Public Viewing: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM-Venue: Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, University Town Campus-Organized by: Lighting Detectives, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, School of Architecture and Urban Planning-In cooperation with: Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Art and Light Environment Lab-Supported by: Guangzhou Lighting Society-Sponsored by: CDN Lighting

We are pleased to announce the upcoming Tachikawa City Walk Review Salon as follows: ≪Lighting Detectives Salon≫ Date: Tuesday, May 27th, 19:00 – 21:00 Location: LPA Office (Online participation is also available) If you would like to participate, please send an email to office@shomei-tanteidan.org by Wednesday, May 7th, including your name and affiliation. Participation is exclusive to Lighting Detectives members. If you are not yet a member, we encourage you to consider joining at this time. Please find the application details on this page. We look forward to your participation.

We are pleased to announce that we are once again calling for individuals to help plan and manage the Lighting Detectives night walk, salons, and night-watching tours, which take place about three times a year in Japan. The term of appointment is one year. We are looking for members to contribute ideas for walking tour locations, assist in location selection, conduct preliminary visits, and oversee the progress of events on the day of the tour. In 2024, night walks were successfully planned for locations such as Azabudai Hills, Kawasaki Musashi-kosugi, and Kagurazaka.We are excited to collaborate with someone who can help us come up with equally engaging plans for 2025! If you are enthusiastic about actively participating in this committee or have specific locations in mind for walking tours, we welcome you to join us! To apply, please fill out the form below and send it to our office at office@shomei-tanteidan.org by Monday, February 3rd. For any questions or inquiries, feel free to contact the office. We look forward to your application! Application Form

Our final outing of the year will take us to the enchanting neighborhood of Kagurazaka, a popular tourist destination in Tokyo. Nestled in Shinjuku Ward (note: the area inside the outer moat, including JR Iidabashi Station, belongs to Chiyoda Ward), Kagurazaka is steeped in Edo-era culture, characterized by its beautiful cobblestone streets and traditional buildings. Originally known as a place for sacred dance performances, the area still exudes a spiritual ambiance. Today, Kagurazaka is a vibrant hub of restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and boutiques, attracting both tourists and locals alike. With its strong French influence, you’ll find a plethora of French restaurants and cafes serving delicious cuisine and fine wines. As you wander through the charming back alleys, you’ll discover hidden gems: cozy eateries and unique lighting that illuminate the historic streets. Are you a hero or a villain? Escape the city’s hustle and bustle and embark on a detective adventure in the tranquil oasis of Kagurazaka! Event Details:Explore the fusion of Edo and modern Japan, where East meets West in a culinary and cultural haven. Unravel the mysteries of Kagurazaka’s enchanting lights! ■Date: Friday, November 29th, 18:00 (meet-up time)■Meeting Place: JR Iidabashi Station■Fee: ¥2,500 JPY■Bring: Pen and camera (smart phone) To join us, please send an email to office@shomei-tanteidan.org with your name, affiliation, mobile number, email address, and whether or not you have a light meter by Thursday, November 14th. We look forward to your participation!

We are pleased to announce the annual activity report meeting for the Lighting Detectives members. In addition to the activity report for 2024, we have prepared a variety of activities such as quizzes and games, so please join us for a fun-filled evening! Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (JPT)Venue: To be determined in Tokyo based on the number of perticipants.Fee: Approximately 5,000 yenHow to apply: Please send an email to office@shomei-tanteidan.org by December 2nd with your name, affiliation, and mobile phone number. We look forward to seeing you there!

We’re excited to announce that our next nigith walk is happening next month!  The area that we’ll be exploring is  Musashi-Kosugi in Kawasaki. Musashi-Kosugi, a town that flourished as a ferry crossing on the Nakahara Kaido in the Edo period, has seen astonishing growth in recent years. Yet, it’s also a fascinating place where neighborhoods with vastly different atmospheres exist right next to each other, divided only by tracks and roads. Let’s delve into the varied lighting landscapes of Musashi-Kosugi, appreciating the rich history and ambiance that have evolved through the years, even amidst rapid changes. 【Outline of the city walk】“From an industrial area to one of Japan’s leading tower cities.”(Lighting Detectives Members Only) -Date: Friday, October 4, 18:15 Gathering time: Friday, October 4, 18:15-Meeting place: Musashi Kosugi Station-Fee: 2,500 yen-What to bring: Writing utensils, camera (cell phone) If you are a member of the group who wishes to attend, please send an e-mail to office@shomei-tanteidan.org with (name/affiliation/mobile phone number/e-mail address) and apply by Monday, September 17, 2012. We look forward to seeing you there.

The 2024 Photo Competition was held under the theme of “Lighting at Market,” and we received over 100 photographs. The judging panel recently held a panel meeting to select the winners based on criteria such as whether the photos were in line with the theme, had the right composition, balance, focus, aesthetics, cultural characteristics, and originality, and the following three photos were selected as the winners. We will be posting the photos that did not win awards on our Facebook and Instagram pages as they become available.     1st Place　 Night markets in Mong Kok by Xiang Li Vitality in the hustle and bustle- A daily scenes at Fa Yuen Street Market in Mong Kok: I tried to capture the unique vibrancy and vitality of Fa Yuen Street Market in Mong Kok at night. “Vitality in the bustle” reflects the bustle and bustle of the street market, while also hinting at the endless life stories and interactions between vendors and customers. “Daily Pictures” emphasizes that this set of pictures records ordinary and real life scenes and street landscapes composed of stalls. Each picture is part of the pulse of the city. I hope to convey the cultural atmosphere and human touch of Hong Kong’s unique street markets through this work. Judge CommentIt captures the vibrant atmosphere of the night market, vividly illuminated by fluorescent and LED lamps used by shops.Strip lights and neon signs installed along the streets create…

Our first night walk event of 2024 will be held at the hot spots Azabudai Hills and Toranomon Hills! If you haven’t been yet, please join us. 【Outline of the nightwalk】 Theme: To observe the newest spots, Azabudai Hills and Toranomon Hills, at night With the completion of Azabudai Hills, the surrounding landscape has probably changed. We would like to examine whether these changes are positive or negative as we walk around! ■Date and Time: Friday, May 10, 18:30　■Meeting place: to be determined (probably at Kamiyacho or Toranomon Hills station)■Fee: 2,500 yen■What to bring: pens and camera(Cell phone) If you wish to attend, please send an e-mail to office@shomei-tanteidan.org with (name/affiliation/mobile phone number/e-mail address) and register by Monday, April 22, 2024 We look forward to seeing you there.

FIND a spot, TAKE and POST photos of lighting at marketplace with hash tag #LDphoto24. Can not refuse that everyone must have the experience to go to convenience store (7-eleven, Lawson, Circle K, etc.) or supermarket or market (fresh market & night market) in every week. There are different lightings in market with day light or artificial lighting. For example, 7-eleven lighting is different in Japan and Denmark. Let’s explore lighting in the market around the world. Wherever you travel, live in somewhere, please feel free to share your lighting in market to us. ■Photo Competition Procedure: 1, Take photos under the theme of “Lighting at MARKET.” 2, Post them in your social media such as Instagram, Facebook, WeChat,Weibo(微博) and Little red book(小红书) with hush tag #LDPHOTO24. Or you can simply send them via Email to office@shomei-tanteidan.org. Please also write text to describe why you took the photos and what you want to say with them. 3. After the deadline, we will collect all photos and decide the best three photos. We will announce the winner sometime in April. 4. The photo have selected will be post on our lighting detective media (website/ Instagram/ facebook). ■Deadline: Feb 1st, 2024 till Mar.31, 2024 ■Prize: 1st Place AMAZON GIFT CARD USD500 (1 person) 2nd Place AMAZON GIFT CARD USD300 (2 person) We are looking for‥‥ Photos that represent lighting market in your city where you have been, Photos that explain lighting culture…

We are pleased to announce you that we will have a face-to-face year-end party this year , the first time in four years! This year is the first time in four years that we have held a face-to-face year-end party, so we hope you will be able to attend. ≪The annual Gathering≫ -Date： December 7, 2023　（THU）  19:00 – 21:00　 Doors open 18:45 *This year the party will be held on Thursday.-Venue: mood board, 61 Brick Square 3F, Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo  5 min walk from JR Tokyo Station from South Entrance / 5 min walk from JR Yurakucho Station Tokyo International Forum Exit  3 minutes walk from Nijubashimae Station (Exit 1) on Subway Chiyoda Line 176m from Nijubashimae Station-Admission: 1,000 yen If you wish to attend, please register by e-mail to office@shomei-tanteidan.org with your name, affiliation and cell phone number by Tuesday, November 10, 2023. See you there!