"Flowers" by Naked, 2019
An artistic and technological hanami
The 4th edition of the artistic event "Flowers by Naked" is being held from January 29th to March 3rd, 2019 at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall in Tokyo. Once again, Naked offers visitors an immersive experience that combines centuries-old craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Simply sublime!
The ever-creative 'Naked' company
The phrase "between tradition and modernity" is often used used to describe Japan, and this definitely applies to "Flowers", the latest artistic experience by the very versatile company Naked.
Since its creation in 1997, Naked, led by Ryotaro Matsumura, has been designing and producing videos, commercials, photographs, installations, shows and exhibitions using the latest multimedia technology. Under Matsumura the firm has become a master of creating artistic environments using video mapping and interactive digital devices.
Iconic places throughout the country have hosted such events: Tokyo Station, the Tokyo National Museum and Nijo Castle in Kyoto. This February, Naked are setting up in the heart of the historic district of Nihonbashi in Tokyo.
Spring is in the air
By going to Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall, you'll be able to take advantage of the Japanese spring right now, especially its most beautiful and well-known gift: the blooming cherry blossoms. The immersive exhibition, called "Flowers", celebrates the annual rite of hanami by offering visitors the chance to see, several weeks before the trees are due to bloom, some truly splendid sakura.
Using the theme "Flowers: Traditions and Innovation", Matsumura demonstrates once again the full scope of his talent through a series of multi-sensory works and installations. At the crossroads of art, design and technology, "Flowers" is like a digital hanami; an incredible show sure to satisfy each of your five senses. It uses 360° video projections, soundtrack and real flowers to create the most perfect immersive experience.
- Discover: Hanami, cherry blossom season in Japan
Flowers by Naked 2019 is running until March 3rd
A perfect mix of genres
During this virtual hanami, the visitor can experience twelve installations skilfully blending advanced technology with elements of traditional culture. In fact, Matsumura has collaborated with prestigious masters of traditional arts such as Akane Teshigahara, master of the ikebana school Sogetsu-ryu; Souhitsu Hachiya, master of kodo (the art of enjoying perfumes) and Manzo Nomura, a kyogen actor (traditional comic theater). Ikebana, kodo, theater and tea ceremony are thus at the heart of certain displays.
The cultural program accompanying the event integrates performances where traditional arts, digital environment and musical performances are perfectly combined. The youth musical scene isn't left out either, since the male J-pop group Solidemo contributed to one of the works.
Naked's most recent installation truly fulfils all its promises, letting you admire the cherry blossoms, enjoy the sweet scent of spring and lightly touch the surface of the water in a small tsukubai (washbasin). The only drawback is that the event is only running until March 3rd!
Event Details
- The installation runs from January 29 (Tue) - March 3 (Sun) 2019
- Opening hours: 10:00 ~ 20:00 (admission allowed up to 30 minutes before closing)
- Price: On weekdays: Adults 1,600 yen, Children 1,000 yen / On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: Adults 2,000 yen, children 1,000 yen
- Address: Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall Coredo Muromachi 1 · 5F (the entrance is on 4F), 2-2-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo, Tokyo 103-0022
- Official Website: here
