FLOWERS BY NAKED, an immersive art event that fuses flowers and tradition, will take place at Nijo Castle from November 3 to December 9. The exhibition has pulled in 300,000 spectators to date into a colourful and immersive world of art. Over 50,000 posts with the hashtag #flowersbynaked have been recorded with plenty of photogenic pictures. This new holding of the exhibition marks its first appearance in the Kansai region of Japan. Designated as an official World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Nijo Castle will receive a special autumn themed light-up with many of the site's historical architecture used for the exhibition. Visitors will be able to enjoy autumn-time Kyoto to the fullest.   Another event titled Nijo Castle Festival also began on September 28 in the run up to the event which consists of a performance of original sounds and illuminations of the castle buildings and rooms as well as a night tour by an official Nijo Castle guide and more. FLOWERS BY NAKED will make its way to Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall in Tokyo on January 29, 2019 where it will run until March 3. This will be the 4th time the event has been held in Nihonbashi. Merging together flowers and tradition, it will give way to a string of traditional Japanese motifs like tearooms, classic poetry and more. Leading artists in a range of traditional Japanese fields will be in attendance too, coming from the worlds of flower arrangement and the traditional incense-smelling ceremony. Collaborative artwork as well as lots of new elements are planned for next year too.   Experience the beauty and creativity of art first-hand at FLOWERS BY NAKED - and at a World Heritage Site.

MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: EPSON teamLab Borderless will open on June 21 and is co-managed by Mori Building Co., Ltd. and teamLab. teamLab Borderless is a collection of artworks that 'form one borderless world.' The art encompasses the entire room from the ceiling to the floor, and each piece connects seamlessly to the other, creating an immersive world where time blurs. You'll be able to create new experiences with other people by submerging yourself into world of this borderless art and exploring it with your body. This never-before-seen new world is created in an expansive and complex three-dimensional 10,000 square meter space by 520 computers and 470 projectors. EPSON teamLab Borderless have created 5 worlds each with their own distinct artwork. Early bird tickets are now on sale at a discounted price. Sales end on July 31. Additionally, the opening hours will be extended by one hour from June 21 to August 31.   Dive into a mesmerising 3D world and get lost amongst the borderless art.    

NAKED Inc. is a company that creates interactive and immersive art events. They have dazzled many at their showcases including with their projection mapping at Tokyo Station and their interactive art exhibition FLOWERS by NAKED which brought the cherry blossom season to people early. They have even taken their work overseas in Taiwan and Beijing.   Did you know the company also has their very own restaurant in Yoyogi Park called TREE by NAKED? You must book seats to dine there which offers a very special 2-hour course. It’s a fantastical marriage of art and dining woven through projection mapping, virtual reality, lighting, aromas, music and of course, delicious food made using seasonal ingredients.   If you’re looking to see some art while in Japan and enjoy great food then you can kill two birds with one stone at TREE by NAKED in Yoyogi Park. We visited the restaurant to witness and report back this new kind of interactive dining experience. The restaurant is just a 2-minute walk from Yoyogi Station. When you arrive, you wait at the entrance to be seated. Once 8 people had gathered for the evening dinner we were led by the guide to dim private rooms in a Japanese rock garden with tables.   The course consists of six meals which each represent different stages in the life of a tree. We begin in the first room which uses projection mapping on the table and walls and are given an explanation of the courses.

A table made in the form of a Japanese rock garden

  The table and room look like you’ve walked into an art exhibition. The guide who brought us to the other room took on the role of storyteller and led explained the story which would be linked by the sights and smells. They also this explanation in English.

An entire room uses project mapping to look otherworldly

  After becoming completely immersed in the story we moved into the main room. This room uses virtual reality, project mapping and a dining experience to portray the story, exploring themes like the life of a tree, Japan’s four seasons and the blessing of life.   (There were many other fun and interesting elements too but writing everything would spoil the experience for anyone thinking of going so we’re only showing a snippet.)

The story begins by planting a seed in the soil. The soil is delicious! (Don’t worry, it’s not real soil)

 

The fish swim away when you touch this projection mapping. There’s much fun to be had while waiting for food.

 

The plates change colours to showcase Japan’s vivid seasons

  But it’s not just the technological performances that are striking – the food and drinks are also out of this world. The food on the menu was created by executive chef Nagatomo of restaurant and café Hoff which is located in Hatsudai, Tokyo. He designed 8 Japanese-style dishes inspired by the seasons that are made using seasonal ingredients. Drinks come with meals and you can choose from alcohol or tea. You often see alcohol paired with meals so it’s interesting to see tea paired too. You can even drink tea made by a tea expert.

The restaurant at lunchtime. In the evening, the lights come on and the tables use project mapping.

  After eating the main dish we moved to the second floor. This was home to the dessert room, the final part of the story, which represented a paradise on top of the tree where you can eat the forbidden fruit.   With our bellies, heads and hearts full, our first ever ‘art gastronomy’ came to a close. We got a fill of both art and food.   It’s a little expensive to go, coming in at ¥23,000 (tax and service charge included) which includes the full course and drinks, but there is no other place like it where you can be immersed in such an experience that combines performance and cuisine.   If you want to go eat somewhere for a special day or would like to try something you then this is somewhere you’re sure to enjoy. It’s something you have to experience at least once.