AnnualReport_2016

照 明 探 偵 団 in 大 阪 Lighting Detectives in Osaka
Oct. 03
オリエンテーション Orientation
Osaka is a city of water and light. What is the charm of the neighborhood Naniwa?
What are the problems? Ten club members traveled from Tokyo to join Osaka
members in an eastern/western style walk. At the orientation, the Osaka City of
Light Masterplan was explained along with the walk route and points of interest,
after introductions from all the participants.
街 歩 き Night Walk
Participants were divided into two teams: the western Kansai Team and the eastern
Kanto Team. Participants were deliberately divided according to region for this walk
to see if there is a difference in perceptions of light. The walk started with a boat ride
down the Dojima River after sunset. The blue moment was settling over the city as
building lights, bridge and embankment illuminations started to shine. All along the
riverside was a stunning collaboration of light and water. From the Dotonbori
luminous signage to Hozenji Temple neighborhood gas lamps and lanterns to the
retro atmosphere of Shinsekai shopping area; all collective elements of the Osaka
lightscape, but also each neighborhood with its own unique lighting character.
懇 親 会 Sum Up Dinner
At the informal dinner, each team selected and presented 5 heroes and villains of
light. The Kanto team’s No.1 hero was the famous Glico luminous sign, an iconic
sign and symbolic feature of the Naniwa nightscape. The Kansai team selected the
neighborhood of Tobita-shinchi with its uniformed signage and lantern lined streets.
It was hard to tell how much regional differences influenced the selection process,
but both east and west teams agreed that the No.1 villain is the bright new security
street lamps. Unfortunately, LED lamps are becoming standardized and bright
security lighting is found in many Japanese urban areas.