Japanese Artist Tomokazu Matsuyama Takes Over Times Square Screens

NEW YORK, Apr 03 (News On Japan) - Times Square in New York, a major tourist destination that draws visitors from around the world, has been filled with works by a Japanese contemporary artist, with large-scale visuals taking over its iconic screens.

Screens across the district switched simultaneously, spreading vibrant artwork throughout the area and enveloping Times Square in a unified visual display.

The works, which began appearing on April 1st, were created by New York-based Japanese contemporary artist Tomokazu Matsuyama, centering on the four themes of freedom: mind, city, individual, and identity, and featuring four real-life figures, including entertainer Naomi Watanabe.

Matsuyama said, "What defines the existence of tomorrow is something I learned over 25 years of working in the United States, and I created this work with the intention of giving something back."

The project is part of a public art program that has been held since 2012, with Matsuyama’s works scheduled to be displayed across approximately 96 screens every night until April 30th, appearing for three minutes starting at 11:57 p.m.

Source: TBS

New Shinkansen Reservation Service Lets Users Book in One Minute

JR East has launched a preview version of its new online Shinkansen booking platform, JRE GO, promising reservations in as little as one minute and easier handling of sudden schedule changes.

Father Claimed Son Was Missing Before Disappearance

A 37-year-old father arrested over the alleged abandonment of his son's body in a forest in Kyoto Prefecture may have contacted associates to say the child had gone missing before the boy's school informed the family, investigators said.

Bear Found in Bushes in Central Sendai Finally Culled

A bear that had remained in a residential area in central Sendai since early Sunday morning was euthanized last night in an emergency cull. No injuries were reported.

Father Admits Killing and Body Abandonment in Kyoto

Police investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy whose body was found in a forest in Kyoto Prefecture believe his father moved the remains between several locations over a number of days in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.

Strong Typhoon Raises High Surf Risk for Pacific Areas of Japan This Weekend

A large and powerful Typhoon No. 4, internationally named Sinlaku, was located near the Mariana Islands and moving north-northeast as of the latest update. The storm is expected to gradually shift its course eastward and pass southeast of the Ogasawara Islands around April 18, before making its closest approach around April 19.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

A New Onnagata Master!?・ Spring Performances at the Kabuki-za!

In today's video, we explore the April performances at the Kabuki-za theatre in Tokyo! (Kabuki In-Depth)

Tokyo Court Rules Movie Spoiler Articles Infringe Copyright

A man accused of violating copyright law by publishing so-called spoiler articles summarizing films on the internet was handed a suspended prison sentence after the Tokyo District Court ruled that the posts infringed copyright.

Theater Directly Connected to Tokyo Station to Open in May

A theater directly connected to Tokyo Station is set to open in May inside a large-scale redevelopment complex scheduled to fully launch in autumn, marking a new step in efforts to strengthen the area’s cultural and artistic presence.

Osaka Shochikuza Theater Stages Final Kabuki Performances

A farewell performance titled "Farewell April Grand Kabuki" is being staged at Osaka Shochikuza in Chuo Ward, Osaka, which is set to close in May due to the aging of the building, marking the beginning of a two-month run of kabuki performances that have drawn audiences with comedies and dances featuring a colorful cast of characters, continuing through April 26th.

Farewell Kabuki Performances in Osaka!

Today we have a look at the kabuki performances taking this April at the Shochiku-za theatre in Osaka! (Kabuki In-Depth)

Japanese Novelist Celebrates English Debut

A talk event was held at a bookstore in New York on March 9th to commemorate the publication of the English translation "SAKURA" of the bestselling novel "Sakura" by Naoki Prize-winning author Kanae Nishi, who appeared alongside American translator Allison Powell to discuss the book’s central theme of family love.

Ryo Asai Wins Japan Booksellers Award for In the Megachurch

The winner of the 2026 Japan Booksellers Award, in which bookstore staff across the country vote for the book they most want to sell, was announced on April 9th, with Ryo Asai, 36, receiving the top prize for the novel "In the Megachurch," published by Nikkei Publishing.

Enthusiasm Builds for Okinawa’s First Body Make Contest

Athletes from across Japan boasting finely trained physiques are set to gather in Okinawa for a major fitness competition, as more than 300 participants prepare to compete in the "Muscle Gate" body make contest, marking the event’s first-ever staging in the prefecture.

< 2 3 4 5 >