Kanazawa Station Sculptures and Artificial Pond Illuminated by Golden Floodlights（Kanazawa City Hall）
Lighting Equipment
Kanazawa, a city where tradition and culture thrive. Kanazawa City is actively promoting the installation of lighting systems with the goal of creating an attractive nighttime landscape by showcasing the city's cultural scenery as a continuous sequence even after dark. This time, the "LEDSFOCUS GOLD" floodlight, emitting golden light, has been introduced to illuminate the sculptures and artificial ponds scattered around Kanazawa Station. Efforts are underway to enhance the nighttime scenery and strengthen tourist routes.
Application① Fog Effects Artificial Pond (Kanazawa Station East Exit Underground Plaza)
Product Name: LEDSFOCUS GOLD Gold Floodlight / LLF0112A
Number: 9 units Beam angle: 10°
Application② Downtown Sculpture Illumination ("BI U ON・BI CHU ON・BI KAI ON ")
Product Name: LEDSFOCUS GOLD Gold Floodlight / LLF0012A
Number: 2units Beam Angle: 5°, 10° Option: Louver
Client: Kanazawa City Hall Lighting Design: Reiko Chikada Lighting Design Inc. Fixture Production Support: Yamada Shomei Lighting Co., Ltd.
Responsible Official
Thank you very much for coming all the way to Kanazawa.
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We are truly grateful that you have once again chosen our gold floodlights, following your previous selection. The previous illuminations of the sculptures and waterways were truly beautiful, and I still vividly remember the impression it made when I saw them in person. I recently had another opportunity to visit the site, and I felt that the lighting design from that time has naturally blended into the cityscape, becoming part of a landscape that is distinctly Kanazawa. That said, this latest illumination seems to have a slightly different atmosphere. Could you please tell us what aspects you focused on when creating this design?
Responsible Official
This time, in addition to illuminating the sculptures as before, we introduced a new mist and light installation at the artificial pond in the underground plaza of Kanazawa Station. We specifically chose golden light for this feature. Golden illumination is truly splendid and, I feel, creates a display that symbolizes the essence of Kanazawa.
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Thank you for your kind words. We are also deeply honored that you chose us again following the previous event. The impression of water changes significantly depending on how light is applied. In scenes with mist and water spray, I imagine there were many adjustments and considerations needed for how the light spreads. I'd like to hear more about that aspect as well.
Responsible Official
You're absolutely right—too much fog not only dims the light but also gets blown around by the wind. Moreover, the balance between fog and light proved extremely difficult to adjust, as visibility changes with the seasons. To address this, we devised a method of illuminating from above the fog rather than from below, ensuring the colors remained clearly visible.
Furthermore, we conducted extensive deliberations and repeated trial-and-error testing regarding the timing of the show's start and its duration. Additionally, we prioritized safety to prevent the fog from obstructing visibility.
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I understand the detailed on-site adjustments made, such as overhead lighting and safety measures, amidst changing fog and light conditions. Our floodlights are designed to be waterproof for reliable use outdoors and in wet environments, and they offer a wide lineup of beam angles from ultra-narrow to wide. A key feature is their ability to reliably deliver light precisely where needed based on the subject.
Responsible Official
Yes, the floodlights used for the artificial pond were installed in inconspicuous locations beneath the walkway. We adjusted the angles and mounting positions to ensure the lights precisely illuminated the targeted areas while remaining out of sight. For the sculpture lighting, we used floodlights with louvers (Stanley optional accessories) mounted overhead. This approach minimized unwanted light spread and glare while precisely directing light onto the intended surfaces of the sculpture. Furthermore, we carefully considered various viewing angles and pedestrian paths. On site, we meticulously checked each light—confirming there was no glare and that the light reached the intended surfaces—and made fine adjustments as we went.
Daytime view
Nighttime view
Responsible Official
The sculpture itself has a gray, somewhat dark appearance, but the floodlight's light doesn't lose to the base color; it firmly bathes it in gold. Gold complements any material well and brings out a different charm than during the daytime.
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Thank you. I feel that the ability to create a strong golden atmosphere regardless of the material is precisely the unique strength of this light. Could you tell us again about the background behind starting the illumination?
Responsible Official
Kanazawa City enacted the "Kanazawa City Nighttime Landscape Formation Ordinance" in 2005. To create favorable nighttime landscapes tailored to each area's characteristics, we established standards for each district and guided nighttime landscape development. In 2014, the city formulated ”the Kanazawa-like Nighttime Landscape Development Plan”, which provides guidelines for lighting improvements in public spaces. Building on these foundations, in 2018, the city established the "Nighttime Landscape Action Program." This program aims to create attractive nighttime landscapes by outlining routes and improvement policies to enhance nighttime circulation, and has systematically advanced the lighting projects.
This program establishes walking routes that illuminate the landscape resources preserved in the old castle town—such as stone walls, historic buildings, remains of the Sōgō fortifications, irrigation networks, and river courses—allowing visitors to enjoy the atmosphere even at night.
Furthermore, in 2024, we formulated the "Nighttime Landscape Action Program to Experience the Town's Atmosphere." Building on previous initiatives, this program aims not only to create attractive nighttime landscapes but also to further enhance the ripple effects across the entire town development, including revitalization and creating a lively atmosphere.
We also hope that seeing these illuminated features at night sparks curiosity—"What is this lit up?"—and becomes a gateway to interest in Kanazawa's history. We are committed to creating nightscapes unique to Kanazawa, valuing the continuity of the city's appeal from day to night.
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It's impressive how the initiative to create a flow of people from the station to the city center is firmly connected to Kanazawa City's overall nighttime landscape policy. You've been advancing this while considering how to present the light-up not as isolated points, but as a unified cityscape. I felt this latest light-up is firmly positioned within that larger vision.
Responsible Official
In fiscal year 2023, the lighting improvements in Kanazawa's Nagamachi area received the Urban Beauty and Culture Award, recognizing how the initiative contributes to creating a favorable landscape. Kanazawa City was also a pioneer nationwide in enacting ordinances specifically focused on landscape preservation. Both citizens and the administration share a commitment to "preserving our beautiful city," working together on landscape formation.
With this fog and light installation, we hope the artificial pond in the previously quiet Kanazawa Station underground plaza will become a space where people pause, become captivated by the light-up, and feel inspired to take photos.
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It's clear that the history and commitment to valuing the landscape throughout the entire city of Kanazawa are alive in this project. Combining mist and light to create a "little bit of fun" that makes people want to stop and linger is truly wonderful. We would be deeply honored if our lighting could contribute, even in a small way, to creating such a space. Thank you very much for sharing your valuable insights with us today.
Responsible Official
Thank you very much.
We will continue our efforts to enhance Kanazawa's landscape, so please visit us again.
【Kanazawa City Hall, Landscape Policy Division】
Address: 1-1-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa City,Ishikawa Prefecture 920-8577
LEDSFOCUS Series LEDSFOCUS GOLD
Ultra-Narrow Beam LED Floodlight / LLF0112A
Achieving luminescent colors that highlight gold color
Application① Fog Effects Artificial Pond (Kanazawa Station East Exit Underground Plaza)
Number: 9 units Beam angle: 10°
Application② Downtown Sculpture Illumination ("BI U ON・BI CHU ON・BI KAI ON ")
Number: 2units Beam Angle: 5°, 10° Option: Louver