Japanese Artist Tomokazu Matsuyama Takes Over Times Square Screens

Apr 03, 2026 | News On Japan

NEW YORK, Apr 03, 2026 (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

Japan Introduces Stricter Penalties for Drunk Driving

Japan began applying a new numerical alcohol threshold for dangerous driving offenses on July 21, introducing a clearer standard for cases involving impaired driving that could lead to fatal accidents.

Japan Sets Investment Strategy

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government approved its first annual basic economic and fiscal policy on Tuesday, pledging "responsible and proactive fiscal policy" and envisioning about 370 trillion yen in public- and private-sector investment in strategic industries through fiscal 2040.

Japan Scrambles for Oil

A covert network of shuttle tankers is carrying crude through the increasingly dangerous Strait of Hormuz as renewed fighting between the United States and Iran disrupts shipping and raises concerns over how Japan will secure the oil it needs.

Russia Calls Japan-Ukraine Drone Cooperation a Clear Hostile Act

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko has criticized moves by Japanese and Ukrainian companies to cooperate on drone technology, warning that such ties would be regarded by Moscow as a "clear hostile act."

Rainy Season Ends in Kanto-Koshin

The rainy season ended in the Kanto-Koshin and Tokai regions on July 20 as strengthening high pressure brought intense heat across Japan, with temperatures forecast to reach 38 C in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, and Kofu.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Fandom Takes Japan By Storm

Japan’s booming "oshi-katsu" culture, in which fans devote themselves to supporting favorite celebrities, athletes, characters and other interests, has grown into an estimated 3.8 trillion yen market, but some enthusiasts are taking multiple jobs, restricting meals and falling deeply into debt to sustain their spending.

Japan’s Content Industry Booms

Japan’s content market has reached a record high as companies increasingly transform popular characters and stories into immersive experiences that allow fans to step inside the worlds of their favorite works.

Yoshiki (X Japan) | The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan

Billy Corgan welcomes legendary musician, composer, and X Japan co-founder Yoshiki for a conversation about creativity, rebellion, and building something that refuses to follow the rules.

Ranpei's Madness EXPLAINED・ Ranpei Monogurui (1753)

Today we have a look at the 1753 jidaimono play Ranpei Monogurui ("Ranpei's Madness"), originally from the puppet theatre drama Yamatogana Ariwara Keizu, written by the playwrights Asada Icchō, Namiki Senryū II and Toyotake Jinroku.

Circle Generator Minecraft: Build With a Circle Chart

Building a circle in Minecraft without help is a geometry problem most players don’t want to solve.

Murakami Fans Celebrate First New Book in Three Years

Haruki Murakami’s first new book in about three years went on sale on July 3, drawing large crowds of fans to bookstores in Tokyo from late at night, even as neighborhood bookstores across Japan continue to struggle with a shrinking market.

Biggest Cosplay Festival in Osaka: Osaka Street Festa

Possibly the biggest Cosplay Festival in Japan is now here in Osaka!

PlayStation to End Disc-Based Game Software Production

Sony Interactive Entertainment said it will stop producing physical disc versions of new PlayStation games released from January 2028, shifting sales of new titles entirely to downloadable editions.

< 2 3 4 5 >