Usually summer in Japan is all about getting together and celebrating alongside friends with colourful festivals, fireworks and special events. Sadly, many of these events have been put on hold for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend the summer of 2021 indoors.

Located in central Tokyo, Tokyo Midtown has a reputation for mixing class, culture and fun. The 10-hectare area features a handful of skyscrapers, including Tokyo’s former tallest building, a large open garden space, and a number of shops selling almost anything you could imagine owning.
Whether you’re heading out for a stylish evening walking the (currently un-)lively streets, shopping for new goods and cutting-edge fashion, or looking for design and creativity, Tokyo Midtown has it all.

This summer, the complex has once again teamed up with communication design companyHakuten Creative, as well as AR design studio WOW inc., in order to reinvent Tokyo Midtown’s lawn square into a digital art garden.
Building upon the experience of previous displays, the installation will incorporate digital light and artificial fog in a display that celebrates the Japanese summer.

Photo from previous years

The large scale, digital art garden is brought to life at Tokyo Midtown’s lawn square. This year, the installation has set up social distance seating to ensure visitors can relax and make the most of their visit.

Cool fog is pumped into the area, creating an intriguing atmosphere that changes along with the wind and time of day. This mist has a cooling effect that can fight against the summer humidity, and make a visit to the installation all the more comfortable.
Stones scattered around the garden are encompassed by colorful lights that recreate imagery resembling fireworks in the evening. Additionally, there are five QR codes spaced out around the display that provide links to AR art fireworks. Scan these codes on your smartphone and turn Tokyo Midtown’s lawn space into the ultimate artistic hanabi event of 2021.

Photo from previous years

Photo from previous years

The installation is being run as part of Tokyo Midtown’s ‘MIDTOWN ART PALETTE’ (running until 17 September), which brings a variety of interactive art experiences and activities to the surrounding area. In addition to the Digital Art Garden make sure to check out the Midpark Art Lounge where food and art come together, and look out for the colourful wall art of Ellie Omiya and the street art of WA! Moto at the Summer Art Zoo displays.

Tokyo Midtown Digital Art Garden 2021

Dates: 16 July – 5 September 2021
Fog production times: 15:00 – 20:00
Digital light firework times: 18:00 – 20:00
QR code AR art fireworks: Available any time
Location: Tokyo Midtown Lawn Square
Price: Free

Tokyo Midtown Midpark Art Lounge 2021

Dates: 16 July – 5 September 2021
Weekdays: 16:00 – 20:00 (LO: 19:30)
Weekends: 12:00 – 20:00 (LO: 19:30)
13th – 16th September: 12:00 – 20:00 (LO: 19:30)

Tokyo Midtown Summer Art Zoo 2021

Dates: 16 July – 5 September 2021
Location: Galleria 1F, 2F, 3F


By - Connie Sceaphierde.