Hello, everyone! I’m Miyanaga from GP.

With the advancement of technology, projection mapping is accelerating in flamboyance and creativity. As someone involved in the event industry, it’s essential to check out particularly exceptional ideas. One company that has caught my attention since the latter half of 2023 for its designs is Hitohata Inc.

Pursuing Entertainment with a Mix of Cutting-edge Technology and Tradition 

Based in Nagoya and Tokyo, Hitohata is a digital creative company.

Their distinctive approach involves leveraging local cultural and touristic resources and Japanese traditional culture for creativity. They continuously produce digital content such as projection mapping, immersive museums, digital installations, 3D CGI animation, and VR/AR/Metaverse projects, all based on cutting-edge digital technology and traditional ideas!

[Website] https://www.hitohata.jp/
[YouTube] https://www.youtube.com/c/HITOHATAINC/

Producing the Opening Show of “DISCOVER Japan’s NEW TREASURES”

One of Hitohata’s creations that became a widely-discussed topic of discussion is the opening show of “DISCOVER Japan’s NEW TREASURES.”

In September of 2023, it was held in New York, at a side event of the UN General Assembly, co-sponsored by the Japan Tourism Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, called “DISCOVER Japan’s NEW TREASURES” tourism reception. Hitohata was in charge of using 3D projection. 

The show featured a live performance structured into three parts: the ninja action dance, the Japanese dance, and the contemporary dance, combined with hologram screens projecting beautiful Japanese landscapes and traditional cultural motifs, as well as digital art.

The event also showcased Japanese food, including cuisine and sake, along with traditional experiences such as tea ceremonies and kimono-wearing, supporting Hitohata’s opening show. The sound and visual beauty intricately crafted in the production perfectly expressed the unique emotional atmosphere of Japan. The incredible quality of the reproduction was astonishing, with the realism of bamboo groves, cherry blossoms, and even the smell of firework gunpowder seemingly wafting through the air. “It’s as if Japan’s mystical scenery is right before our eyes!” With eyes that told of something along those lines, the guests seemed very satisfied.

Paying Attention to Other Events by Hitohata

“But, I can’t exactly travel all the way to New York…” Certainly, that may be the case. However, there is no need to worry. We will also introduce the events Hitohata hosts in Japan!

Aichi Prefecture Designated Cultural Property Ito Residence × Festival of Flowers and Digital Art 2023-2024

Another event produced by Hitohata was the “Aichi Prefecture Designated Cultural Property Ito Residence × Festival of Flowers and Digital Art 2023-2024.” It was held at the Ito Residence, a designated cultural property in Aichi Prefecture, from December 22 (Fri), 2023, to January 14 (Sun), 2024.

The  event featured a special public opening of the Ito Residence, a symbol of the Yomikaido townscape, showcasing traditional Japanese cultural arts such as flower arrangement, calligraphy, and geisha culture, in collaboration with projection mapping and digital art. 

It was a paid admission event, with online ticket purchases available. Taking place in a precious building that retained the ambience of the Edo period’s Nagoya castle town, the exhibition merged Japan’s world-renowned cultural arts with digital art, creating a fantastic art space that truly made one marvel in awe, typical of Hitohata.

Aichi Prefecture designated cultural property Ito Residence × Festival of Flowers and Digital Art 2023-2024

December 22 (Fri), 2023, to January 14 (Sun), 2024

Gifu Sekigahara Old Battlefield Memorial Museum Historical Scroll Projection Mapping 2023

On October 14 (Sat) to October 15 (Sun), 2023, the “Gifu Sekigahara Old Battlefield Memorial Museum Historical Scroll Projection Mapping” was held.

As you can see from the footage, this event had a fierce atmosphere. It really gave the vibe of a Sengoku warlord. Though the atmosphere is completely different from the Ito Residence × Festival of Flowers and Digital Art, it’s equally thrilling. The samurai culture of Japan packed into this dynamic projection mapping is just way too cool…

Nishio City 70th Anniversary Project Kira Folding Screen Wall Projection Mapping

From November 23 (Thu & holiday) to 25 (Sat), 2023, the “Nishio City 70th Anniversary Project Kira Folding Screen Wall Projection Mapping” was held.

Kira Waikiki Beach (Miyazaki Beach)—selected as one of “Japan’s 88 Best Beaches” and located in the Mikawa Bay National Park—and the nearby new landmark of Nishio City, the Kira Folding Screen Wall, were the dynamic stages for this event. Magnificent folding screens, unique to Nishio City, and motifs of flowers and the sea were projected as digital art.

Additionally, Kira Waikiki Beach and Miyazaki Beach also hosted a “Digital Light Up” and “Night Market” simultaneously, making it a major event. The picturesque scenery of Mikawa Bay Beach Resort combined with digital art technology offered a truly fantastical collaboration. The nature, culture, and cutting-edge technology that intertwined taught us what kinds of art can be created!

Conclusion

This time, we introduced the creativity of Hitohata Inc., which combines tradition with the latest technology available. Hitohata, working in collaboration with both municipalities and the government to present Japanese tradition using technology, is truly amazing. Seeing their creativity reminds us once again of the various possibilities in entertainment. See you next time!