EVENT
REPORT

Cutting-edge art illuminations light up
Nishi-Shinjuku during the New Year holidays
“Shinjuku Neon Walk” Lighting Ceremony

The Tokyo Nighttime Attraction Creation Project Executive Committee held the lighting ceremony for the winter illumination event ‘Shinjuku Neon Walk’ on Thursday, November 27, 2025, along Chuo-dori (Shinjuku Subcenter 4th Street), illuminating the Nishi-Shinjuku area.The lighting ceremony featured Mr. Osamu Shimada, Managing Director of the Shinjuku Tourism Promotion Association; Mr. Hiroyuki Hashizume, Director of the Shinjuku Subcenter Area Environmental Improvement Committee; and Mr. Tsukasa Takekawa, Chairman of the Nishi-Shinjuku 1-chome Shopping District Promotion Association. Artist and actress Airi Suzuki also appeared as a special guest.

Ms. Suzuki appeared in a wintery gray long coat, perfect for an illumination-filled night.
When asked by the MC about the key point of her outfit today, she commented with a smile, “I went for a mature look in gray, which pairs well with any color, so the illuminations—the stars of the show tonight—would really stand out!”She also shared her thoughts on participating in the lighting ceremony: “Personally, I've always thought this place was beautiful, so I'm honored to be part of the lighting ceremony for Shinjuku. Thank you for inviting me!”

In the talk segment introducing the top 3 recommended attractions we'd love for Mr. Suzuki to experience, he reacted to the #1 attraction, ‘Transformirror (TOKYO NIGHTTIME PROJECT ver.)’, with surprise, saying, “That's a pretty tough-sounding name!” After the MC explained that AI powers allow it to randomly transform into completely different forms, he enthusiastically commented, "I love it! This kind of attraction! I really want families and people with kids to go too. It looks like it would be fun to challenge it with multiple people too!"

Next, the stage shifted to the illumination lighting ceremony. As the lighting button was brought in, Mr. Suzuki appeared somewhat restless.Pressing the button in sync with the MC's countdown, the ‘Shinjuku Neon Walk’ illuminations lit up simultaneously, instantly enveloping the night of Nishi-Shinjuku in a dazzling glow.The moment the lights came on, Suzuki couldn't help but exclaim “Wow~” as he looked around. Gazing at the scenery bathed in multicolored light, he smiled and remarked, “There are sparkling lights and colorful ones too—it feels just like a live concert venue!”

Furthermore, when asked about memories of illuminations, he shared a heartwarming anecdote from his childhood: going with his family to see the neighborhood Christmas lights and wearing “toy glasses that made the illumination lights appear different colors” while walking.
Furthermore, when the conversation turned to reflecting on this past year (2025), she stated, “It was a year where I worked on both my acting career and my artist activities in parallel,” while also mentioning her experience spending about two months in London for a musical as a major challenge.
“This was my first time staying in London, and experiencing entertainment from both Japan and overseas was incredibly stimulating. It also gave me a chance to reexamine the message I want to convey as part of Japan's entertainment industry. It was a time that allowed me to grow as a person,” she said, reflecting on the past year as if savoring it, before concluding the event.

「Shinjuku Neon Walk」　
Lighting Ceremony

Date and Time:

Thursday, November 27, 2025, 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM

Venue:

Central Avenue in front of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku Subcenter 4th Street)

Distinguished Guests and Speakers:

Mr. Osamu Shimada, Managing Director, Shinjuku Tourism Promotion Association
Mr. Hiroyuki Hashizume, Director, Shinjuku Subcenter Area Environmental Improvement Committee
Mr. Tsukasa Takekawa, Chairman, Nishi-Shinjuku 1-chome Shopping District Promotion Association

Special Guest:

Artist/Actress Airi Suzuki