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KONNICHIWA!
A newsletter from Oki Sato, general producer.
News on the Japan Pavilion’s progress, and his thoughts for the day.
New
Exhibition
Creating the Scene: Projection Testing in Full Swing
Once again, we’ve constructed an entire exhibition room inside a large warehouse to test video projections. Grids are projected onto the floor and walls during the process, but with so many people involved, everyone inevitably ends up covered in grids—quite a funny sight!
We carefully examine how overlapping projections blend and check for distortions in hard-to-reach areas. Based on this, we adjust the content to avoid or minimize these “trouble spots.”
There’s a particular character set to zoom around the space freely. If you notice them making especially flashy moves, it’s probably because they’re working hard to divert your attention from something tricky. Please, give them a kind smile in return!
Exhibition
Bringing “Algae x Hello Kitty” to Life!
Even when we’ve previewed the designs using a 3D printer, the impression of the shape can change dramatically when scaled to its actual size.
Today’s agenda: a review session for the “Algae x Hello Kitty” exhibition objects.
The white models are still in the shape-checking phase. We run our hands over the smooth surfaces, ensuring that the curves connect naturally.
Next comes the stage where we test several painted versions to finalize the colors and the level of gloss. If the finish is too matte, it can feel heavy and dull, but too much gloss can cause distracting reflections under the spotlight.
One of the most critical aspects is the color and gloss of Hello Kitty’s eyes. We test them over and over again, seeking the most vibrant and expressive look. (Yes, believe it or not, she really does have an expression—if you look closely!)
Exhibition
Unveiling the Mystery of the Intriguing Poles.
Fascinatingly, long, thin poles are meticulously lined up on the framework, shrouded in an air of mystery.
With delicate hands, we peel away the packing material, revealing a disc-like object perched on each pole.
Viewed from below, they look like this.
Directly beneath the disk lies a metal fitting, facilitating angle adjustments, while adjacent cables enable individual electrical control.
It’s quite the job to adjust each cable just right, but thinking about having to deal with nearly twenty times as many for the actual exhibition? Whew, talk about sweating over it!
Exhibition
A Crowd of Slowly Flowing Plastic Bottles.
A crowd of plastic bottles moves slowly along a conveyor belt, capturing the attention of everyone involved in the project.
While the plastic bottles are certainly eye-catching, the real star here is the conveyor belt tirelessly working beneath them.
This demonstration is all about testing the belt’s performance under the weight of the bottles, and so far, it’s passing with flying colors.
We eagerly anticipate what else will circulate at the show!
(Hint: Unfortunately, it won’t be sushi.)
Exhibition
Whoosh...
Whoosh...
“What is the length on the tail of the light?”
“It’s 600mm!”
“Could you try stretching it to 700mm?”
“Sure. Incoming 700mm!”
(Wow! It’s really now stretched by 100mm...!)
“Can you soften the outline around the head of the light more?”
“Absolutely. Softer outline incoming!”
(It’s significantly softer now!)
“Can you slow down the movement of the light midway, more syrupy?”
“Syrupy?”
“Yeah, syrupy.”
(...oh?)
Endless adjustments to the shape and movement of the light continue. I truly admire the dedication of the staff who toiled tirelessly, working day and night to prepare for today’s testing. Thank you very much!
Exhibition
Quest for the Perfect Lighting Fixtures.
Today, we’re on a quest for the perfect lighting fixtures to make our exhibition rooms pop in the Japan Pavilion. The specific criteria, including size, brightness, warmth, and the softness of light contours, are being meticulously determined for each space.
We find ourselves pondering over two distinct lighting scenarios: Is it preferable to have strong light illuminating a dark-colored wall, or would a subtler glow on a light-colored wall be more fitting?
Additionally, we contemplate the warmth factor. Is it more inviting to have warm-colored light grace a cold-colored wall, or does the juxtaposition of cold-colored light against a warm-colored wall create a more harmonious ambiance?
As I delve into these considerations, contemplating the interplay of light and space, my thoughts gradually become as elusive as the mist settling over a tranquil landscape.
Exhibition
Quest for the Perfect Lighting Fixtures.
Today, we’re on a quest for the perfect lighting fixtures to make our exhibition rooms pop in the Japan Pavilion. The specific criteria, including size, brightness, warmth, and the softness of light contours, are being meticulously determined for each space.
We find ourselves pondering over two distinct lighting scenarios: Is it preferable to have strong light illuminating a dark-colored wall, or would a subtler glow on a light-colored wall be more fitting?
Additionally, we contemplate the warmth factor. Is it more inviting to have warm-colored light grace a cold-colored wall, or does the juxtaposition of cold-colored light against a warm-colored wall create a more harmonious ambiance?
As I delve into these considerations, contemplating the interplay of light and space, my thoughts gradually become as elusive as the mist settling over a tranquil landscape.
Exhibition
Whoosh...
Whoosh...
“What is the length on the tail of the light?”
“It’s 600mm!”
“Could you try stretching it to 700mm?”
“Sure. Incoming 700mm!”
(Wow! It’s really now stretched by 100mm...!)
“Can you soften the outline around the head of the light more?”
“Absolutely. Softer outline incoming!”
(It’s significantly softer now!)
“Can you slow down the movement of the light midway, more syrupy?”
“Syrupy?”
“Yeah, syrupy.”
(...oh?)
Endless adjustments to the shape and movement of the light continue. I truly admire the dedication of the staff who toiled tirelessly, working day and night to prepare for today’s testing. Thank you very much!
Exhibition
A Crowd of Slowly Flowing Plastic Bottles.
A crowd of plastic bottles moves slowly along a conveyor belt, capturing the attention of everyone involved in the project.
While the plastic bottles are certainly eye-catching, the real star here is the conveyor belt tirelessly working beneath them.
This demonstration is all about testing the belt’s performance under the weight of the bottles, and so far, it’s passing with flying colors.
We eagerly anticipate what else will circulate at the show!
(Hint: Unfortunately, it won’t be sushi.)
Exhibition
Unveiling the Mystery of the Intriguing Poles.
Fascinatingly, long, thin poles are meticulously lined up on the framework, shrouded in an air of mystery.
With delicate hands, we peel away the packing material, revealing a disc-like object perched on each pole.
Viewed from below, they look like this.
Directly beneath the disk lies a metal fitting, facilitating angle adjustments, while adjacent cables enable individual electrical control.
It’s quite the job to adjust each cable just right, but thinking about having to deal with nearly twenty times as many for the actual exhibition? Whew, talk about sweating over it!
Exhibition
Bringing “Algae x Hello Kitty” to Life!
Even when we’ve previewed the designs using a 3D printer, the impression of the shape can change dramatically when scaled to its actual size.
Today’s agenda: a review session for the “Algae x Hello Kitty” exhibition objects.
The white models are still in the shape-checking phase. We run our hands over the smooth surfaces, ensuring that the curves connect naturally.
Next comes the stage where we test several painted versions to finalize the colors and the level of gloss. If the finish is too matte, it can feel heavy and dull, but too much gloss can cause distracting reflections under the spotlight.
One of the most critical aspects is the color and gloss of Hello Kitty’s eyes. We test them over and over again, seeking the most vibrant and expressive look. (Yes, believe it or not, she really does have an expression—if you look closely!)
New
Exhibition
Creating the Scene: Projection Testing in Full Swing
Once again, we’ve constructed an entire exhibition room inside a large warehouse to test video projections. Grids are projected onto the floor and walls during the process, but with so many people involved, everyone inevitably ends up covered in grids—quite a funny sight!
We carefully examine how overlapping projections blend and check for distortions in hard-to-reach areas. Based on this, we adjust the content to avoid or minimize these “trouble spots.”
There’s a particular character set to zoom around the space freely. If you notice them making especially flashy moves, it’s probably because they’re working hard to divert your attention from something tricky. Please, give them a kind smile in return!