AnnualReport_2024

2024
Lighting Planners Associates
Annual Report
MITO CITY CIVIC CENTER / AIRSIDE / THE GEAR / TEMPORARY HALL
FOR DAZAIFU TENMANGU / CAO XUEQIN MEMORIAL HALL MUSEUM /
HILTON OKINAWA MIYAKO ISLAND RESORT / ANDAZ MACAU /
FOUR SEASONS PRIVATE RESIDENCES DUBAI AT JUMEIRAH /
SHERATON KAGOSHIMA / CENTARA GRAND HOTEL OSAKA /
NAGASAKI MARRIOTT HOTEL / MONDRIAN SINGAPORE DUXTON / THE
PALAWAN@SENTOSA / HAKATA FD BUSINESS CENTER / FJ.
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS OFFICE / GAIA / SIT TECHNO PLAZA Ⅳ /
SUZUKI RESTAURANT / K11 HACC BEIJING / WISMA ATRIA SHOPPING
MALL A&A / THE WOODLEIGH RESIDENCES / THE WOODLEIGH
MALL / SKIRT RESTAURANT / GOLDHEART OUTLET AT BUGIS
JUNCTION AND T3 CHANGI TERMINAL / RENEWAL OF YAMAMOTO
SATARO SHOTEN / STUDIO HITONOWA / HOUSE OF ENGAWA
WINDOWS / MUSHIBOSHI HOE, JOHANA BETSUIN ZENTOKUJI
TEMPLE / ONSENMON GATE, KUSATSU / YANAGAWA CITY
NIGHTSCAPE / PENGUIN COVE@BIRD PARADISE

Mito City Civic Center
IBARAKI 2022 Mito City / Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects & MITSUO YOKOSUKA ARCHITECTURE OFFICE
Centered around the main hall and wooden scaffold structure in Yagura Plaza, this project also includes,
exhibition rooms, various studios, meeting rooms, a children's gallery, lounge, Japanese-style washitsu
room, and roof garden. This is a facility for residents of all ages to find a favorite place to enjoy and pass
the time away. The lighting design is functional, convenient, and flexible, but also strongly expresses the
architecture features. At strategic points, visitors can feel fun and excitement, the essence of the lighting
design. The spill light from the building creates a new vibes on the street at night.

AIRSIDE
HONG KONG 2023 Nan Fung Group / Snøhetta
With views over Victoria Harbour and Sports City, AIRSIDE contributes a new landmark to Hong Kong
nightscape. Façade lighting follows the architectural form to integrate linear media tube light and to
emphasize the unique structural connection between the tower and podium. Interior lighting is also
designed to connect the office space to the retail podium by using color temperature of 3500K to 3000K
lighting for a smooth transition. The chandelier covered office lobby ceiling creates the dynamism of space.
Retail podium lighting highlights ceiling features and continuous cove lighting is used to enhance the
characteristic design of the atrium. Functional landscape lighting is carefully designed for different areas
and used to engage the gathering of visitors at night.

The GEAR
SINGAPORE 2023 KAJIMA DESIGN / Surbana Jurong Consultants / Meinhardt / PLACEMEDIA
A facility, combining office, R&D, and open innovation, was created in the Changi Business Park adjacent
to Changi International Airport as Kajima Corporation's regional headquarters. The entire building is
considered a laboratory, and the concept of "Latest Andon" was planned to signify the light for the
continuous evolution of architecture. The office space combines ceiling air conditioning units and lighting,
while incorporating new task and ambient lighting with continuous vertical light panels and glare-less
downlights. The building has been certified Platinum (Super Low Energy) by GreenMark, Singapore's
environmental certification.

Temporary Hall for Dazaifu Tenmangu
FUKUOKA 2023 Dazaifu Tenmangu / Sou Fujimoto Architects
This is a temporary hall for visitors to the shrine during
a 3-year renovation of the main hall, the first time in
124 years. On the curved roof, a forest is floating,
connected to the rich nature that surrounds it. Lighting
mounted in the louver ceiling is finely adjusted for
daytime, nighttime, and ritual ceremonies used by
worshipers.

Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall Museum
BEIJING 2022 New World Development
In 2022, the former residence of Cao Xueqin,
one of China's leading authors of classical novels was
reborn as a memorial museum for Cao Xueqin. We
carefully developed lighting details to emphasize
the beauty of the mansion decor, renovated to evoke
the era. Visitors can admire the changing scenery
following a self-guided tour through the mansion.

Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort
OKINAWA 2023 Mitsubishi Estate / KAJIMA CORPORATION
This resort hotel overlooks Irabu Bridge, with beautiful
ocean views. Lighting effectively illuminates the
interior design, hinting at Naupaka flowers native to
Miyako Island and traditional crafts from the Ryukyu
culture, an experience guests can take part in
because of the distinctive locality of this island. As
the ocean changes color with the sunset, lighting slow
transitions to create an extraordinarily moving, but
high-quality atmosphere for guests.

Andaz Macau
MACAU 2023 Galaxy Entertainment Group / EDG
Andaz Hotel opened in a new phase of Galaxy
Resorts. The modern classic interior, incorporating
Macau’s heritage and culture, creates a new Macau
hotel style for not only casino travelers, but also various
guests visiting for events at the adjacent convention
center. In order to maximize the theme and atmosphere
of each area, we paid close attention to color
temperature, brightness and lighting detail.

Four Seasons Private Residences
Dubai at Jumeirah
DUBAI 2023 Bright Start / Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts /
H&H / Hopkins Architects / Sybille de Margerie / SWA
This is a service apartment and villa built along the
banks of the Dubai canal. Lanterns featuring geometric
patterns from the façade design are placed on the
balcony of each flat, accentuating on the exterior like
candle light at night. The soft, but not too assertive
light creates an elegant nightscape.

Sheraton Kagoshima
KAGOSHIMA 2023 Nangoku Shokusan / Mitsubishi Jisho Design / CRÈME / MEC DESIGN INTERNATIONAL
This is the first foreign-affiliated city hotel in Kagoshima. The Sheraton Kagoshima was built as part of
the redevelopment of the city center. The lighting design aims to create a lasting impression reflecting the
rich natural environment and culture of Kagoshima, with views framing the magnificent Sakurajima, and
also as a rendezvous for guests from all over the world. Naturally, the lighting design pursues meticulous
attention to detail, elimination of uncomfortable glare, and intimate, but high-quality lighting. The hotel is
charming and wrapped in soft lighting from day to night for an enjoying stay.

Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
OSAKA 2023 Centara Osaka Japan Tokutei Mokuteki Kaisha / TAISEI CORPORATION Design Division /
NIKKEN SPACE DESIGN / AvroKO
This is the first project built in Japan for Centara Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand hotel from Thailand. The
liveliness of Osaka, the local culture of Namba, and the warm atmosphere of Thailand blend together for a
gorgeous and exciting experience. Lights create sparkle and reflection off the interior materials and imitate
moment to moment transition of colors in the sky. Other lights were linked with neon lamps and signage to
create an uplifting feeling upon the arrival of guests.

Nagasaki Marriott Hotel
NAGASAKI 2024 Kyushu Railway Company / Obayashi
Corporation / KUME SEKKEI
The JR Nagasaki Station Building was redeveloped
in time for the opening of the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen.
This hotel is situated on the top floors of the station
building. The building motif is marine inspired with
hints of Japan-China-Netherland cultural essence,
distinctive to Nagasaki. The Lighting environment is
elegant, but well-paired with the dynamic nightscape
surrounding the Port of Nagasaki.

Mondrian Singapore Duxton
SINGAPORE 2023 Pacific Eagle / DP Architects
A renowned boutique hotel brand expertly integrates
lighting into its interior and exterior design,
harmoniously fusing traditional Singapore shophouse
elements with a contemporary twist. The meticulous
lighting scheme strikes a perfect balance between
functionality and aesthetics. This strategic lighting not
only enhances the ambiance but also plays a role in
showcasing both internationally renowned and locally
commissioned art collections, offering guests a unique
experience that embodies the hotel's vibrant spirit.

The Palawan @ Sentosa
SINGAPORE 2023 Shangri-la Hotel / FARM /
Henning Larsen / Squire Mech
This is new attractions that provides kid-friendly
activities, playgrounds, waterplay, F&B areas, and a
beach club at Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island. To
extend the nightlife, warm integrated lighting blends
with the calm surroundings along the coastal line. Fun
lighting elements, such as color-changing light in front
of the beach club were added to mimic the sky during
sunset.

Hakata FD Business Center
FUKUOKA 2023 Fukuoka Jisho / Schmidt Hammer Lassen
Architects / Shimizu Corporation
The distinctively uneven shape of this office building
curtain wall resembles Hakata-ori cloth. This building
protrude outwards as it goes to the upper level. And
there is a large open space in the lower portion of
the building to relax. The light from the entrance hall
and the firefly-like landscape lights create a peaceful
nightscape.

FJ. Business Solutions Office
FUKUOKA 2023 Fukuoka Jisho / 3XN Architects / FLOOAT
“Space one wants to work more than any other space,”
is the concept for this biophilic designed office and
space, applicable to various working situations. The
light fixtures are dimmable, color tunable, and
address controlled. Users are able to adjust fixtures
to a suitable comfortability, including brightness and
color temperature.

Gaia
SINGAPORE 2023 Nanyang Technological University(NTU),
Singapore / Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects / RSP Architects
Planners & Engineers
The largest wooden building in Asia was built on the
Nanyang Technological University campus in
Singapore. The architectural space is constructed by
CLT modules (Cross Laminated Timber). Depending
on the use, various lighting methods and fixtures were
selected for the implantation of a functional, but
variety of light options. The building has been
certified Platinum (Zero Energy) by GreenMark,
Singapore's environmental certification.

SIT Techno Plaza Ⅳ
TOKYO 2023 Satoru Yamashiro + buildingLandscape
This is a manufacturing center equipped with the
latest in technological machines, to be used by college
students and professors. The zig-zag folded glass
structure was developed and adopted for this facility,
a first around the world. Suspended drift wood blocks
(LVL) are wrapped in light and shadow, created by
soft indirect lighting and spotlights for a feeling of
floating through the space. We hope the design will
boost inspiration and creativity among the students.

Suzuki Restaurant
SINGAPORE 2023 Kengo Kuma and Associates
A cozy Japanese Sushi/Omakase restaurant, nestled
within the Mondrian Hotel. The interior boasts a
distinctive Hinoki counter, an intricately designed
bamboo 3D ceiling, a captivating washi wall, and an
inviting courtyard adorned with a water feature,
showcasing natural stone imported from Japan. The
lighting scheme is thoughtfully curated, enhancing the
allure of the space. Customized spotlights, seamlessly
integrated within the ceiling, accentuate the elegance
of the counter. Soft ambient light envelops the
surroundings, creating a serene atmosphere.

K11 HACC Beijing
BEIJING 2023 New World Development / OPEN Architecture
K11 HACC is a multipurpose exhibition space for
contemporary art in the suburbs of Beijing. The bold
spatial composition demolishes the concept of
exhibition space and gives visitors a new experience.
Visitors feel integrated with the space and the space
itself exists as a work of art. A luminous wall
overwhelmingly commands the space, doubles as an
ambient lighting device that changes brightness and
color temperature, but also exists as a monolith-like
piece of art.

Wisma Atria Shopping Mall A&A
SINGAPORE 2023 YTL Starhill Global REIT Management /
JC Will & Associates / ONG&ONG
Wisma Atria, one of the shopping malls situated along
bustling Orchard Road has been refurbished with a
modern yet timeless interior. We created a new lighting
environment that corresponds with daylight from a large
skylight above the signature Atrium space. Throughout
the year, the atrium space is used for various events,
and the Gobo projectors with patterns and color lighting
to create vibes.

The Woodleigh Residences /
The Woodleigh Mall
SINGAPORE 2023 Kajima Development & Singapore Press
Holdings / Kajima Design / DP Architects / Salad Dressing
A mixed use development comprising commercial,
residential, and community center. Located amidst
new estates, the lighting design aims to strike a
balance between the modern use of development in a
commercial area and a Japanese design inspired
residential area. A hanging metal chain feature
suspended in the retail skylight gives life to the atrium
space as lighting changes from cool white during the
day to warm white at night.

SKIRT Restaurant
SINGAPORE 2023 W Singapore / EDG Design
The lighting design encompasses a mix of grandeur
uplight to enhance the volume of the restaurant upon
arrival and intimate low-level lighting at the outdoor
dining area. The bold use of hanging barrisol above
the indoor dining and bar area is enhanced with color
changing lighting feature throughout the night. The
colors are carefully selected with sunset orange
transiting to romantic blue into the night. The gobo
projection of water rippling on the outdoor ceiling is
targeted to draw visitors to the restaurant in the most
subtle way.

Goldheart Outlet at Bugis
Junction and T3 Changi Terminal
SINGAPORE 2023 Aspial Lifestyle / Alchemist
This local jewelry shop wanted to upgrade lighting in
two new stores to boost brand image. The biggest
challenge was illuminating key products, such as
gold and diamonds. Both have unique characteristics
and require different lighting enhancement. The
design carefully avoids the mixing of multiple colors
when selecting color temperature. Well-balanced
color temperature was found to enhance both warm
shiny gold and sparkle diamonds. Integration of detail
is another key consideration to visually highlight
products.

Renewal of Yamamoto Sataro Shoten
GIFU 2023 YY architects
This new shop is the renovation of a well-established
cooking oil wholesaler, also selling snacks and other
carefully selected foods. Part of the new space is an
open ceiling leading to the second floor with a kitchen
and workshop. The lighting design accents the warmth
of the framework and timber, allowing customers to
sense the long history as well as the friendliness of
this new space.

Studio HITONOWA
GIFU 2023 YY architects
The renovation of a building owned by a printing
company, equipped with an atelier, photo studio, and
editing laboratory. With minimal lighting we preserved
the original taste of the building, but designed a new
and creative façade to add to the nightscape.

House of ENGAWA Windows
TOKYO 2023 YY architects
Daylight streams in through large, eye-catching bay
windows around the perimeter of this two-family
residence. The design does not reveal the presence
of light fixtures, but wherever you go, spaces in the
house seem to be wrapped in soft light. On-off and
dimming system operate on smaller scales throughout
this one-room, open space design.

Mushiboshi Hoe, Johana Betsuin Zentokuji
Temple
TOYAMA 2023 Zentokuji Temple / ‘Mizu to Takumi’ Toyama
West Toursim Promotion Association / 51% / Ribita
This famous temple has a history of 550 years and is
home to countless treasured items. Once a year, a
portion of the items are on display during the annual
“airing out.” To further accentuate the items, the
lighting design utilizes low lying horizontal beams,
placed small battery powered spot lights and lanterns
for a soft glow. Light and shadow create an atmosphere
different from what visitors are accustomed to.

Onsenmon Gate, Kusatsu
GUMMA 2023 Kusatsu Town / Kojiro Kitayama +
K Architect & Associates
The Onsenmon Gate is a new, welcoming entrance to
Kusatsu Hot Springs, situated at the intersection of a
national highway overpass and main city street. Along
with recent updates to the Yubatake and Jizo-no-yu,
steam rising from hot springs are uplit for a fantasylike
atmosphere in the public plaza.

Yanagawa City Nightscape
FUKUOKA 2023 Yanagawa City / Kyushu Sangyo University Faculty of Art and Design / Regional Design Center
The riverside city of Yanagawa is also charming at night with an updated lighting environment along the
boating course. It has been three years since the lighting masterplan was planned, with construction in
nine different areas. Along the course, visitors can experience the sound of the water as the flat-bottom
boats row quietly down river, ripples on the surface of the river, soft light illuminating historical landmarks
and trees, and light and shadows along the riverbanks. This waterfront scenery of light and shadow is
especially unique to Yanagawa.

Penguin Cove @ Bird Paradise
SINGAPORE 2023 Mandai Park Development / GSM /
Light Emotion
The Penguin Cove exhibit is inspired by the Sub-
Antarctic island habitats of penguins, allowing visitors
to observe the fascinating behaviors of this animal.
The lighting intention to create a naturalistic
environment for the penguin, with luminaires well
integrated into the dome ceiling and the rockworks
above the tank. Lighting simulates the daily light
cycles which provides an authentic-like experience to
the visitors.

LPA TOPICS
Kaoru Mende Lighting Design Workshop / Internal Workshop /
Rejuvenating Time / Lighting Design Project for Disasters / Lecture &
Media / Award / LPA 2023 Overview and Prospects for 2024 / Major
Contributions and Interviews

Sep.16-18
This is the second Kaoru Mende Lighting Design
Workshop, a 3-day intensive course to learn lighting
design directly from lighting design professionals. 24
students participated in lectures, city walks, discussion
sessions, and proposal design for a very concentrated
3-day weekend. Learning from the previous ones, we
offered an upgraded course, revising the lectures with
staff over the course of several meetings. The entire
program course was also reconfigured to increase
concentration among the students.

The main lecture was divided into two parts, held
on day-1 and day-3. On the first day we discussed
the ideology and concept of lighting design, basic
lighting knowhow, vocabulary, lighting effects, the
lighting design process, and lighting in the urban
landscape. Guest lectures presented on light
pollution and lighting design in tourist locations.
We divided into four groups and each group was assigned an area to walk and survey. The four areas we
surveyed were Monzen Nakacho, Yurakucho & Hibiya, Azabu Juban & Roppongi, Shimbashi & Shiodome.
Along with LPA staff, we searched for heroes and villains of light and freely exchanged opinions about what
we experienced.

Each group held a meeting to discuss what was found during the
city walks and determined heroes and villains of light. Each
group finalized the best three heroes and worst three villains and
organized them on a panel.
Each group designed two 180cm x 90cm panels
detailing and analyzing their city walk along with a
lighting proposal. The panels revealed the character of
each group.
Each group then had 15 minutes
to present their panels. The
presenters were nervous, but
each group was well organized
with what they wanted to say.

The last lecture started by outlining the future of lighting and
lighting environments, continuing with a practical series on
hotel lighting. This was followed by sessions on landscape
lighting and the introduction and use of actual lighting
fixtures, a new session this year. Hands-on experiments and
various topics were addressed in the workshop lectures.
For the individual assignment, each participant chose
one of the 5 themes to engage in and submitted an A3
size panel of their proposal prior to the workshop On
the final day, the students gave a three minute
presentation of their proposal. The contents of each
presentation were honed to persuade the audience of
their ideas and proposals. Afterwards, staff and
participants voted for the winning proposal.
The workshop ended with a time of
reflection of what was accomplished
over the past three days.

Internal Workshop
Each office held individual or joint workshops for a variety of staff training opportunities.
Singapore
Hong Kong
Tanjong Pagar Shophouse
Night Walk
Project Workshop
Project Workshop
Shenzhen
Hong Kong Light Fair Visit
HongKong + Shenzhen
IALD Chase the Dark Event
Tokyo
Hand Skethching Workshop
Design Workshop “Unique Myself”
Singapore + Tokyo
New Lighting Environment Lecture
Basic Wiring Training for Lighting Fixtures
Joint Workshop with Tokyo and Singapore

Rejuvenating Time
Staff gathered to refresh during dinner parties, special tours, and company trips.
Factory Tour
May.19
Tokyo Singapore Joint Dinner
May.26
Company Trip Singapore to Tokyo
May.26
Company Trip Hong Kong to
Phuket Mar.08
Cherry Blossum Party
Mar.27, 28, Apr.03, 04
Comapny Trip to Hachijo
Mar.16
Company Trip
to Amami
Mar.13
Xichong Dark Sky Place Visit
Jul.05 Company Trip to Kusatsu
Dec.03

Lighting Design Project for Disasters
Kawasaki City Evacuation Center Training
Each person choose a portable lantern
Each unit itself is like a lantern
Sep.02-03
We participated in an overnight disaster evacuation trial
as a lighting team. Our target was to achieve a suitable
lighting environment for shelter. We prepared 4 types of
portable lanterns for use in both personal and public
spaces. While the lighting fixtures and arrangement
were well received by participants, we discovered
various challenges, not only with lighting, but also
problems with noise and the close proximity of other
people.
Co-organizers:Voluntary Architects' Network, Tohoku University
International Institute of Disaster Science, Kawasaki City
Collaborator: MUJI, LPA
Venue: Kawasaki City, Tama Sports Center
Hanging lanterns in a private unit.
Setting up private unit together

Lecture & Media
Face to face lectures resumed in 2023, with appearances in Japan, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. LPA also
contributed several written pieces and other media publications in 2023.
Asian Pacific Hotel Design
Annual Conference Beijing Apr.16
2023 Xi'an Contemporary
Humanities and Arts Exchange
Jun.30
Lecture at ZAHA office Beijing
Oct.24
Documentary of Light Talk Beijing
Oct.21
Illum.Engng.Inst.JPN
Vol.107 May
Award
Kita Nihon Newspaper
Jul.22
Nikkei Newspaper Series
Design with Light and
Shadow Selected 10
Akita Sakigake
Newspaper Jun.24
LPA was honored with several outstanding lighting design awards. We are thankful for all of those involved in
these specific projects.
The Illuminating Engineering Society, Illumination Award / Award of Merit
Ishikawa Prefectural Library
SINGTEL WATERFRONT THEATRE
The International Association of Lighting Designers, International
Lighting Design Award / Award of Merit
Ishikawa Prefectural Library
Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan, Lighting Design Award/
Award of Excellence
Ishikawa Prefectural Library

LPA 2023 Overview and Prospects for 2024
Finally, we are in the post-pandemic mood
2023 was the year that the onslaught of Covid-19 finally came out of the shadows. We learned many
important lessons during these three years of patience, but it was also the year we learned the joy of
being able to go out freely.
While we maximized the convenience of online communication, we had more and more opportunities to
go out into the field to supervise. Lighting design can’t be completed without on-site work. We cherish the
joy of seeing the ideas and thoughts of the design stage completed on-site. It was a year in which we
realized the reality of post pandemic era.
Ruminating on our design principle "Learn from natural light”
The accelerated evolution of IT and lighting technology has been remarkable. The more technological
innovation advances, the more we realize the importance of concepts, principles, and our belief of lighting
design.
Since our founding, we at LPA have consistently held "Learn from natural light" as our philosophy. This
theme was presented in many of Mr. Mende’s lectures in 2023 - while constantly making use of
cutting-edge technology, how can we conserve the global environment and design high-quality light using
less energy? Answers and inspirations are often found from natural light.
Completion of many projects and recipience of design awards
As introduced in this report, many projects have been completed in the year of 2023. While the completion
of many projects was delayed due to the pandemic, we have also received various lighting design awards.
We are committed to challenge of working on innovative projects.
Our Shenzhen office, starting its 3rd year, has moved to a new location
LPA-China (Shenzhen) office, set up in June 2022, moved to a new location in February 2024. Until now,
five of our associates had been residing in a stylish co-working office, but we needed a more convenient
and spacious office environment. We will continue to work on numerous projects in China with highly
enthusiastic team members.
The Lighting Detectives are finally back on the streets
We have been holding back on our night city walks and lighting surveys because of the pandemic, but last
year we were finally able to resume the activities. We conducted many city lighting surveys in different
countries and cities.
This year, we will continue to observe lights on the streets!

Major Contributions and Interviews
04.16
04.22
06.23
06.30
08.26
09.12
09.16-18
10.13
10.17
10.21
10.24
12.12
12.15
04.04
06.24
06.29
07.22
08.31
09.01
09.08-22
11.16
12.01

LIGHTING DETECTIVES
Lighting Detectives Survey / City Night Walk / Online Contents /
Visiting Tanteidan / Children Workshop / Salon / Annual Activities /
Lighting Detectives Annual Gathering / Lighting Detectives - List of
Sponsors

Lighting Detectives Survey
Survey Competition
In 2022, the Tokyo office held an internal Lighting Detectives survey competition, but in 2023 opened the field to include
other LPA offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen. Survey areas were not limited to Japan, but expanded to
include locations overseas.
Yunnan, China Dec.08-13
View of Jingmai Village
Night view of Jingmai Village
Located on the southwest border of China, Jingmai
Mountain is the birthplace of Pu'er tea, where the
indigenous people have created a cultural landscape in
ancient tea forest, which was registered as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in September 2023. While we are
working on projects on the site, we are interested in the
local culture, surveyed villages to observe the impact of
tourism development on the local nightscape.
View of Nuogan Village
Night View of Wengji Village

Taipei & Taichung,Taiwan Oct.30-Nov.04
As a leading city in Asia, politics, economics, and culture are central to Taipei. Around one-third of the Taiwan population
lives In the greater Taipei area, forming a very concentrated society. Local governments have many policies in place in
attempts to disperse the overly concentrated population, including attractive work and social guarantees for factories and
business. Because of this movement, the second largest city, Taichung has surfaced. We surveyed the urban landscape
between these two cities to compare lighting, the lightscape, and local residential activity of these planned, but compact
cities.
View from Taipei 101 towards old city (East area)
Night Market in Taichung
Yimin-Yizhoug Shopping District
Urumqi, Uygur China Sep.22-26
The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is the largest province-level division in China and is bordered by eight countries.
From long ago, this area has been multicultural and multiethnic, prospering from long-distance trade routes with China,
Central Asia, India, Iran, and Europe. As an important stop on the Silk Road, the region also actively participated in
cultural exchanges. This region, coexisting with multiculturalism, was an unexplored area for the Lighting Detectives. We
surveyed the lighting of Urumqi the largest city in Uygur.
Xinjiang International Grand Vassar Shopping Street
Bird-eye View of Urumqi
Instrument store in Xinjiang International
Grand Vassar Park

Kathmandu & Bhaktapur, Nepal Nov.12-14
The team visited Kathmandu and Bhaktapur during Tihar, which is known as the Festival of Lights. The city was decorated
with full of LED lights, colourful mandalas and marigold flowers known as sayapatri, creating a festive atmosphere. 8 years
after the devastating earthquake of 2015, major buildings have been restored, but some repair work is still being done.
Light a candle devoting to God
Kathmandu covered by layers of
air pollution
A street illuminated by LED strips
Nyatapola Temple
Chiang Mai, Thailand Nov.25-29
A survey in Ching Mai, Thailand for the famous lantern festival which is traditionally held at a full moon night of December
in Thai old calender. Environmental burden is a key point and few interview were involved. It was obvious that some
provision need to be maintained for keep the good of the festival.
Moment of prayer
Crowds floating lanterns
Night market in the old city
Sky lantern wreckage

Kozushima Island & Niijima Island Jan.20-22
Kozushima Island Full of stars
Kozu Island, Tokyo received the first Dark Sky Island title in
Tokyo. To protect the night from light pollution, the island
has introduced glare-controlled streetlights and conducts
educational activities. We surveyed the island and the
neighboring Niijima islands to investigate similarities and
differences in the light environment and the effectiveness of
light pollution control measures.
Street lights that do not send light upward
Niijima Island Compared to Kozushima,
the light emitted in the sky is more prominent.
Okinawa Island Jan.26-29
Nightscape of Naha City
We surveyed several places around the main island of
Okinawa including the thriving downtown of Naha,
traditional residential building methods in Bise, the small
village of Imadomari, and the area surrounding US military
bases. By comparing each different area, we can get a
sense of the characteristics of the lighting environment of
this isolated island community and trace any changes in
the historical background and residential lighting.
Sakaemachi Market
Bird-eye View of Koza Gate Street
Lighting in Traditional Okinawan Houses Today

Iwakuni & Miyajima Aug.02-04
Iwakuni
Midsummer, we surveyed the Seto Inland Sea under the
theme “light continuing from ancient times aboard boats.”
Ukai, or cormorant-fishing, at Nishikigawa River in Iwakuni
has a history of 400 years and the Kangensai Festival in
Miyajima dates back to the Heian Period. Both use
bonfires and lanterns aboard boats and aim to recreate the
events wearing traditional dress. We surveyed these two
events, set in different areas but both using fire and light on
the water and the interaction of people.
Cormorant fishing on the Nishiki River
Miyajima Kangensai Festival
Gozabune going to the main shrine through Otorii Gate
Izumo Nov.22-24
God welcoming ceremony at the Hall of Worship
Izumo and Iwami Yunotsu in Shimane Prefecture are two
places rich in Japanese culture. We surveyed the area to
discover the historical background and what kind of light is
paired with such a charming and rich culture. Gods residing
in shrines all over Japan gather at Izumo Shrine for the
“Kami Mukae Shinji” Shinto ritual meeting of gods. Small
spiritual fires were lit on the beach right before our eyes.
God welcoming ritual
Prayer to the main shrine

Kobe Jan.18-20
Looking toward Meriken Park, Kobe
Kobe is famous for its waterfront and view from Rokko-san
Mountain at night, both recognized as million dollar night
views. In 2012, nightscape guidelines were formulated and
the initiative to improve and maintain city lighting was
actively undertaken. The city continues to update the urban
nightscape and we walked all over the city searching for
elements to describe Kobe-style lighting.
Nanjing Town before Chinese New Year
Koi Kawasuji, facing the entrance to the Old Settlement,
Nankinmachi, and Motomachi Shopping Street
Sannomiya
Kabuki-cho Jul.19
We surveyed the lighting environment of “Shinjuku
Kabukicho'', one of the biggest entertainment district in
Japan, and home to the much talked about, Tokyu
Kabukicho Tower. We compared our results with our
survey done 17 years ago.
New landmark in Kabukicho
Inside Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Sign with many faces on Hanamichi Street

City Night Walk
大 津
Otsu, Shiga
八 重 洲
Yaesu, Tokyo
Mar.24
Yaesu Midtown opened in March 2023. We divided into
three groups to survey the Yaesu area and the proposed
large-scale redevelopment project. We researched areas
yet to be redeveloped and those areas where
construction is underway to compare the old and new
lighting environments.
Apr.21
The largest lake in Japan, Biwako Lake, is surrounded
by the towns of the Ohmi region and interwoven with
nature along the banks for spectacular night views. We
walked around the Otsu area from Biwako Hall to the
Otsu Harbor, with views of the opposite lakeside, as we
explored the waterfront.
闇 を 探 しにいこう Look for the dark
Ryokudo in Setagaya & Around Yasui Konpira, Kyoto
Sep.26 & Sep.29
Usually we survey lighting during our walks, but we shifted the focus to “urban shadows.” We explored the pedestrian
greenbelt in the Sangenjaya area of Setagaya, Tokyo following the theme “Looking for the dark of Tokyo.” In Kansai
region, we selected Kyoto to explore the dark spot, starting by walking along Hanami Koji Street, then on to visit Yasui
Konpira Shrine, Kenninji Temple and the neighborhood of Miyagawacho, and finished the walk along the Kamogawa River.

香 港 半 山 区
Hong Kong Island Mid-Levels
Sep.17
In 2023, Hong Kong Lighting Detectives, together with Shenzhen
members, organized a one-night walk event at Hong Kong Island
Mid-Levels, to explore the special relationship and impact of lighting
in the architectural environment. We invited college students and
designers to join us. We curated a route that allows us to discover
some of the most significant historic and modern-day elements of
the city. In addition, a walk through the Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail,
allowed us to find traces of the revolution left on this land.
ONLINE CONTENTS
YouTube
Lounge Talk
Again we hosted a live streamed Lighting Detective Lounge Talk. We
invited Hidenobu Jinnai, an architectural historian. The talk was based on
the theme “waterfront light,” but unfolded and evolved during the event.
Lighting Journey Broadcast
Usually our urban nightscape research and survey data consists mainly of
images, but this year we have introduced short movies. The movies catch
movement in the nightscape, hopefully giving viewers a feeling like they
are on site.

Visiting Tanteidan
飛 騨 古 川 Hida Furukawa
Aug.26
Hida Furukawa is a basin surrounded by mountains in northern
Gifu Prefecture. This walk took us past the old townscape of
whitewashed walls, several temples, and 1000 domesticated
carp swimming in the clear waters of Setogawa River. Each
participant held a flashlight so we could conduct impromptu
lighting experiments along the way for a very productive
session to discuss the nightscape of Hida Furukawa.
神 津 島 Kouzushima Island
Oct.17
In 2020, Kozushima Island was the second recipient of a
dark sky preserve in Japan by the International Dark Sky
Association. Street lights were changed to eliminate any
unnecessary light in the sky and efforts were made to create a
town without light pollution. We held a workshop for local
residents to receive feedback on these changes and other local
efforts.

Children Workshop
Nov.25-26
“Let's think about the importance of even
the smallest light in the dark,” was the
theme for this overnight workshop at an old
Japanese-style house in Chiba. As much as
possible, we used lantern light and an old
hearth for light with little electricity so we
could think only about light with the children.
DAY 1
2 : 00〜
4 : 30〜
5 : 00〜
DAY 2
7 : 00〜
See You!!

Salon
In 2023, we hosted two salons. Since our office moved from Shibuya
to Tsukuda, we were finally able to host a salon at the new Lighting
Detective office. Four years in the wait, this face-to-face salon was a
very enthusiastic event.
Annual Activities
01.18-20
01.20-22
01.26-29
02.15
03.24
04.17
04.21
04.28
06.07
07.11
07.19
08.02-04
08.26
09.21
09.22-26
09.26
09.28
09.28
09.29
10.13
10.17
10.18
10.27
10.30
10.30-11.04
11.12-14
11.20
11.22-24
11.25-26
11.25-29
11.27
11.28
12.04
12.07
12.08-13
City Night Survey―Kobe
City Night Survey―Kozushima Island & Niijima Island
City Night Survey―Okinawa Island
Web Column Monologue of a Lighting Detective Vol.010
The Duality of Light and Shadow
City Night Walk Vol.71 Part 1Yaesu
Web Column Coffee Break Vol.073 Favorite Place to Travel
City Night Walk Vol.71 Part 2Otsu
Round Table Discussion Vol.69
Yaesu & Otsu Night Walk Review
Lighting Detectives News Letter Vol.120
Lighting Detectives News Letter Vol.121
City Night Survey―Shinjuku Kabuki-cho
City Night Survey―Iwakuni & Miyajima
Visiting Lighting Detectives in Hida Furukawa
City Night Walk @Hong Kong
City Night Survey―Urumqi, Uygur China
City Night Walk Vol.72 Part 1@Sangenjaya
Web Column Coffee Break Vol.074
What do you think about AI as a design tool?
Web Column Coffee Break Vol.075 Winter Sports
City Night Walk Vol.72 Part 2@Yasui Konpira Shrine Area, Kyoto
Lighting Detectives News Letter Vol.122
Visiting Lighting Detectives in Kozushima Island
Web Column Monologue of a Lighting Detective Vol.011
Shining “Luminarie” – Baroque and digital lighting connect in
a light festival in Salento, Italy
Round Table Discussion Vol.70 Sangenjyaya
Kyoto Night Walk Review
Lighting Detectives News Letter Vol.123
City Night Survey―Taipei Taichung, Taiwan
City Night Survey―Kathmandu & Bhaktapur, Nepal
Lighting Detectives News Letter Vol.124
City Night Survey―Izumo
Children WorkshopStay at Japanese Traditional House!
City Night Survey―Chiang Mai, Thailand
YouTube Live/ Lounge Talk Vol.03 GuestHidenobu Jinnai
Lighting Detectives News Letter Vol.125
Lighting Detectives News Letter Vol.126
Annual Year-end Party
City Night Survey―Yunnan, China
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Lighting Detectives Annual Gathering
Dec.07
The first face-to-face year-end party in
four years was held to report on annual
Lighting Detectives' activities. The theme
was "Reunion". It was the first time in
four years that all the sponsors gathered
together for a lively meeting.
Lighting Detectives - List of Sponsors
The following 20 Lighting Industry Professionals financially sponsor Lighting Detective activities.
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
USHIO LIGHTING. INC.
Iwasaki Electric Co., Ltd.
Color Kinetics Japan Inc.
Endo Lighting Corp.
Panasonic Corp.
ERCO
DAIKO ELECTRIC CO.,LTD.
ModuleX Inc.
ATEX Co., Ltd.
STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
Koizumi Lighting Technology Corp.
YAMAGIWA CORP.
Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corp.
TOKI CORPORATION
Shonan Co., Ltd.
Yamada Shomei Lighting Co., Ltd.
Louis Poulsen in Japan
DN Lighting Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi Electric Lighting Corporation

Atsushi
Itakura
Angkana
Kongchatri
Bryan
Yan
Catherine
Wong
Akemi
Sasamoto
Bonnie
Ip
Hikaru
Kimura
Ton Kek
Hian Wee
Jenny
Ran
Genki
Watanabe
Kyoko
Takubo
Linxi
Chen
Mami
Kono
Mari
Kubota
Makalin
Wongchinchai
Qingyi
Zhang
Quratuaini
Bte Jamil
Stella
Li
Xiaoyi
Dong
Yuichi
Anzai
Xianyu
Liu
Jio
Yeung
Hu
Lin
Hongna
Chen
Noriko
Higashi
Namiko
Watanabe
Masafumi
Yamamoto
Raina
Jiang Shan
Raba'a
Bte Tainy
Tsan
Lin
Sunny
Xu
Yumeka
Miyamae
Yukiko
Saito
Yuta
Shibata
Yuki
Ito
Yumi
Honda

Chia Xing
Tang
Chiehmin
Tsai
Chika
Makabe
Chuanyi
Liu
Clement
Lee
Eddy
Lau
Junko
Nagatomo
Kaoru
Mende
Karen
Huang
Kenix
Kwong
Kouki
Iwanaga
Kunzhi
Jiang
Masashi
Kurobe
Mayumi
Banno
Mikine
Yamamoto
Misuzu
Nakamura
Momoko
Muraoka
Montharthip
Sattayavinij
Reiko
Kasai
Ryan
Dohaeng Ryu
Sachiko
Segawa
Satomi
Yamaguchi
Shunichi
Ikeda
Simeng
Huang
Xueying
Piao
Ye
Yu
Yonglin
Ke
Lighting Planners Associates 2024 Annual Report
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Lighting Planners Associates Inc.
1-11-8-1F Tsukuda, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0051, Japan
Tel : +81 3 4500 6380 Fax : +81 3 4500 6383
E-mail : lpa@lighting.co.jp
Lighting Planners Associates (S) Pte. Ltd.
51B Neil Road, Singapore 088829
Tel : +65 6734 3086 Fax : +65 6734 2786
E-mail : singapore@lighting.co.jp
Lighting Planners Associates (HK) Ltd.
Unit G, 9/F Tung Kin Factory Building,
196-202 Tsat Tsz Mui Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Tel : +852 2578 9007 Fax : +852 2578 9116
E-mail : hongkong@lighting.co.jp
Lighting Planners Associates (C) Ltd.
Room 425, Building 532, Bagualing Industrial Zone,
Futian District, Shenzhen 518029, Guangdong, China
E-mail : shenzhen@lighting.co.jp
www.lighting.co.jp
www.shomei-tanteidan.org