Shinjuku’s Legendary “Eye” Awakens: A Neon Wonderland for New Year’s
Shinjuku, a district renowned for its vibrant blend of history and futurism, is set to host a series of extraordinary events this holiday season. As part of the ongoing “Shinjuku Neon Walk,” two special initiatives will unfold, bringing legendary art back to life and introducing groundbreaking immersive experiences. The iconic “Shinjuku no Me” (Eye of Shinjuku) will shine brightly after 55 years, culminating in a dazzling appearance in Mika Ninagawa’s projection mapping for the “Happy New Year Tokyo 2026” countdown. Simultaneously, the “Hyakki Yagyo Parade” (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons) offers a unique journey into an AI-powered world of Japanese folklore.
The Return of the “Shinjuku Eye”
The “Shinjuku no Me,” a public art piece created by sculptor Yoshiko Miyashita in 1969, will once again light up the underground plaza of Shinjuku Station’s West Exit. This grand eye, measuring 3.4 meters high and 10 meters wide, originally featured embedded lights and a rotating pupil, serving as a silent observer of the bustling city. Its special illumination, a collaboration with “Shinjuku Neon Walk,” will run from December 24th (Wednesday) to January 4th (Sunday), from 4:00 PM to midnight. On New Year’s Eve, the “Eye” will extend its glow, remaining lit until 8:00 AM on January 1st.
This legendary artwork will also play a pivotal role in the “Happy New Year Tokyo 2026” countdown event. It will be featured in the captivating projection mapping show, “Tokyo Rebirth – A Journey of the City’s Soul, Abyss, and Rebirth,” adorning the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. This visual spectacle is directed by the acclaimed photographer, film director, and contemporary artist Mika Ninagawa, known for her vibrant and ethereal aesthetic.
Mika Ninagawa shared her excitement about the project, stating, “This time, with ‘the city’ as my theme, I am challenging myself with projection mapping for the first time. I am very much looking forward to presenting it on such a grand stage as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. I’ve always felt that Tokyo is a living entity, enveloped in the light created by human activity, continuously changing as if breathing. In the artwork, the ‘Shinjuku no Me,’ which I’ve been familiar with since childhood, will also be featured. Its gaze, having watched over this ever-changing place for half a century, resonates with my sense of viewing the city as a ‘living creature.’ I poured my heart into this project to make the excitement of the New Year even more special. I hope many people will enjoy it.”
An Immersive Journey into Folklore: The “Hyakki Yagyo Parade”
For two days only, December 27th (Saturday) and 28th (Sunday), visitors can embark on a unique “Five Senses Hyakki Yagyo Parade” immersive walk. This innovative XR experience, developed by ExMetaClub, blends spatial audio, haptics, and AI to transport participants into a fantastical world where traditional Japanese folklore meets cutting-edge technology.
Armed with glowing umbrellas and earphones, participants will hear the voices of Yokai (supernatural beings from Japanese folklore) as they join a “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons.” The narrative immerses them in a quest to find the festival’s master, “X,” as they navigate the streets around the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. This experimental project blurs the lines between reality and the digital realm.
Event Overview: “Five Senses Hyakki Yagyo Parade”
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Dates: December 27th (Saturday) & 28th (Sunday)
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Time: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Held every 30 minutes, last reception at 8:00 PM)
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Location: Around Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
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Reception: Citizens’ Plaza (Chuo-dori side), near the sculpture “Adam and Eve”
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Duration: Approximately 20-25 minutes
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Capacity: 6 people per session
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Application: Pre-registration required, first-come, first-served via the Shinjuku Neon Walk official website.
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Application Deadline: December 26th (Friday) 9:00 PM JST
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Official Website: https://tokyo-nighttime-project.jp/neonwalk/index.html#applyImmersive
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Notes: Content is in Japanese audio only. Recommended for elementary school fifth graders and above. Walking shoes are recommended.
This project is a testament to the collaborative spirit of innovation, with ExMetaClub leading the planning and development. Key partners include GATARI Inc. for the acoustic MR system (Mixed Reality platform “Auris”), and Spline Design Hub Inc. for XR device design. NTT Sonority Corporation provides equipment cooperation with their open-ear overhead ear speaker “nwm ONE,” and the Embodied Media Project at Keio University Graduate School of Media Design also contributes. Notable voice actors Fumiko Orikasa and Reona Irie, alongside AI-generated voices, bring the Yokai to life.
The Broader “Shinjuku Neon Walk” Experience
These special events are part of the larger “Shinjuku Neon Walk,” an art illumination event running from November 27th, 2025 (Thursday) to January 7th, 2026 (Wednesday), daily from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM (until 1:00 AM on December 31st). Located along Chuo-dori (Shinjuku Subcenter No. 4 Street), the event showcases a unique blend of Edo-era tradition and diverse modern culture through cutting-edge technology. Visitors can explore four distinct zones featuring light art, including AI-powered works by artists like Daito Manabe.
Beyond the main attractions, the “Shinjuku Neon Walk” also features “Neo Neon Yatai” (food stalls) open from December 24th to 28th and on December 31st, offering culinary delights amidst the glowing art. A “Shinjuku Neon Stamp Rally” is also underway, encouraging exploration of the illuminated spots.
More information can be found on the official Shinjuku Neon Walk website: https://tokyo-nighttime-project.jp/neonwalk/
As Tokyo embraces the future while honoring its past, these events in Shinjuku offer a glimpse into how traditional Japanese aesthetics and folklore can be reimagined through modern technology. They not only illuminate the city but also enrich the “kawaii” cultural landscape, demonstrating a playful yet profound engagement with art and history that global audiences are sure to find enchanting. This fusion of old and new will likely inspire new forms of experiential entertainment, setting a precedent for how cities can transform their public spaces into interactive cultural narratives.
