Osaka: The Castle Lights Up to Celebrate 160 Years of Italy-Japan Relations

(ANSA) - TOKYO, 16 OTT - Osaka Castle has been transformed into a vast canvas of light and sound thanks to the debut of “SINFONIA,” a projection-mapping show designed to celebrate the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan and, at the same time, the 45th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Osaka and Milan. The event will run through October 25, with evening projections, for which organizers estimate an attendance of over 100,000 spectators. The lighting ceremony was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Japan, Mario Vattani; the Mayor of Osaka, Hideyuki Yokoyama; the Managing Director of Bulgari Japan, Denis Coan; and actor Ren Meguro, the brand’s ambassador. The approximately six-minute multimedia presentation traces four centuries of cultural dialogue between the two countries, with the narrative beginning with the Tenshō Mission’s first papal audience in Rome in 1585, then moving on to the establishment of official relations in 1866, and culminates in the legacy of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025. “This impressive multimedia project celebrates 160 years of deep friendship, blending artistic sensibilities, history, and architectural beauty in the heart of Osaka,” stated Ambassador Vattani. “Through the synergy of lights, music, and design, we tell a story of cooperation that began in the 16th century, continued through the great success of the 2025 World’s Fair, and is projected powerfully toward the future, thanks also to the determination of the leaders of both nations to strengthen and further solidify the Special Strategic Partnership between Italy and Japan.” As for the collaboration with Bulgari, according to Vattani, it demonstrates how Italian fine craftsmanship and design can respectfully integrate with Japanese traditions, giving shape to a shared narrative of their respective identities. The initiative is sponsored by the Italian Embassy, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, Bulgari, and Dentsu, under the patronage of the City of Osaka and in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy in Osaka.
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