TOKYO: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in central Tokyo, even if December 25 is not a national holiday in Japan.
Some new and creative light-ups have added festive cheer in the capital.
Tokyo Station's Marunouchi side had a makeover recently to revive its pre-war splendour, before parts of it were destroyed by US bombs in World War Two.
The renovations took more than five years to complete and cost US$593 million.
Much of this side of Tokyo Station is the Tokyo Station Hotel. It was designed in the classic Meiji style by architect Kingo Tatsuno. In 2001, it was designated a national cultural asset.
The station's allure is shining bright, especially now, with a special light-up.
This is the result of a collaboration between classic and hi-tech methods, using projection mapping technology.
Ryotaro Muramatsu, video creator of Tokyo Hikari Vision, said: "The theme is a voyage of the lights. It begins with complete darkness. Light is born. That light expands to all over the world. The lights express the beautiful world of colour. That's the story. I hope people are able to take in that experience."
Well, it seems they are - many visitors were mesmerised.
Other light-ups in the Marunouchi area also drew crowds.
Toshio Nakamura, Head of Tokyo Michiterasu 2012 Committee, said: "Due to Tokyo Station's makeover the entire area is becoming an attraction. We would like very much for that to be noticed."
This installation was created by local school children.
One girl wrote: "Everyone's smile is the source of happiness for tomorrow. Let's laugh."
Starlight walk, as the project is called, is on the way to the Imperial Palace ground.
The display can be enjoyed until December 28th.
And the one million LED lights in champagne gold will adorn the street of Marunouchi NakaDori until February 17.
- CNA/de
New and creative light-ups add festive cheer in Tokyo
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New and creative light-ups add festive cheer in Tokyo
