Pokémon cards invade the facade of a building in Tokyo with a light show and debut scheduled for March

The nightscape of the Shinjuku district, one of the nerve centers of the Japanese capital, is about to receive an artistic intervention of gigantic proportions. The metropolitan government building will serve as the canvas for a new projection mapping work focused on the universe of Pokémon Card Game. The initiative is part of the celebrations of the franchise’s 30th anniversary, a milestone reached in 2026, and promises to transform local architecture into a dynamic visual spectacle.

The project uses the eastern facade of the government tower, covering a total area of ​​around 14 thousand square meters with high definition technology. Visitantes will be able to observe iconic cards and recent releases gaining movement through three-dimensional effects, which simulate battles and unique characteristics of the characters on a large scale. Access to the citizens’ square to watch the exhibition will be completely free and without reservations.

Premiere details and showtimes

The official inauguration is scheduled for March 20th, a date that coincides with a national holiday in Japão, guaranteeing a large flow of spectators. A special ceremony will precede the first screening, taking place between 6:15 pm and 6:45 pm, with the confirmed presence of the mascot Pikachu and guests for the countdown. The event organizers assured that the outdoor program will be maintained even in the event of rain.

Regular sessions will take place daily, integrating the city’s night schedule regardless of weather conditions. Aos weekends and March holidays, screenings dedicated to the franchise will take place at three specific times: 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm and 9 pm. At Nos intervals, other artistic works will be projected, maintaining the routine of the “Tokyo Night & Light” project, recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest permanent exhibition of its kind.

Creative direction and applied technology

To adapt the static trading card aesthetic into a monumental experience, creative direction was entrusted to Shinichi Yamamoto. The media artist has an extensive portfolio of urban interventions in symbolic locations in Tóquio and led the design of the project.

Visual production was carried out by the duo Shozaburo Oka and Yuki Kawakami, members of the alumni creative unit. The team’s challenge was to explore new technical possibilities of projection mapping to create a fluid narrative on the surface of the building, elevating the card game concept to a new level of visual immersion.

Promotion of tourism and sustainability

This new attraction seeks to leverage the global popularity of Pokémon Card Game to boost the nighttime economy of Nishi-Shinjuku. Desde Since the monumental lighting program began in 2024, the region has already registered the presence of more than 1.2 million visitors, consolidating itself as a point of strategic tourist interest.

The projection system operates entirely with green energy, reflecting the metropolitan administration’s commitment to sustainable practices at major events. The complete timetable for the months following the premiere will be released periodically through official government channels of Tóquio.