*AI Translated
For 11 days from Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 25, 2026, the nighttime Osaka Castle Main Tower will be illuminated with the projection mapping show "SINFONIA." This approximately six-minute work uses light, images, and music to depict a story connecting Japan and Italy. Viewing is free and no advance registration is required. On the day before the opening, Wednesday, October 14, 2026, a lighting ceremony was also held. In this article, we introduce the highlights of "SINFONIA," as well as access information and an overview of the event.
What is Osaka Castle Projection Mapping "SINFONIA"?
The year 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy, as well as the 45th anniversary of the sister city partnership between Osaka and Milan. "SINFONIA" is being held with the hope of using these two milestones as an opportunity to illuminate the future through Japanese and Italian culture. SINFONIA is the name of a musical form nurtured in Italian opera and theater culture, and is the origin of the symphony. The story, in which Japanese and Italian cultures resonate together, is depicted through light, images, and music.
The story unfolds in three scenes.
The first is "The Origin of the Story." It depicts the 16th century, when Osaka Castle was built and Japan and Italy first encountered each other. The Main Tower, adorned with gold decorations, appears, leading to the scene where the Tensho Boys' Mission meets the Pope in Rome in 1585.
The second is "160 Years of Harmony." The landscapes of Japan and Italy in 1866, when the Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed, are overlaid. The Main Tower is decorated with art, crafts, and symbolic motifs from both countries.
The third is "A Story of the Future Drawn by Bonds." Motifs symbolizing the Grand Roof Ring of the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 and the Italy Pavilion appear. The perspective expands from Osaka to the Earth and then to space, depicting the future of Japan and Italy under a sky full of stars.
Highlights of Osaka Castle "SINFONIA"
Osaka Castle at Night Wrapped in Vivid Lights and Music
When the images are projected onto the Main Tower, particles of light first appear like a clock. Traditional Japanese music reminiscent of gagaku plays, and there is a scene where gold leaf rains down. The star effects are especially beautiful, and the scene where a giant serpent covers Osaka Castle is truly impressive.
When the music shifts to a modern pop style, European-style paintings and scenes reminiscent of Italian clock towers appear. Furthermore, not only Italian but also architecture blending Western and Asian styles is projected one after another, with kaleidoscopic transitions. The dazzling colors that appear one after another and the exciting effects throughout the show leave a strong impression. There is also an aerial view of the Yumeshima venue for the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, with the symbolic "Grand Roof Ring" and the Italy Pavilion recreated. As someone from Osaka, seeing a continuation of the Expo left a particularly strong impression on me.
At the Lighting Ceremony, the Ambassador and Mayor Said, "I Want to See It Again" and "It Was Truly Moving"
On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, a lighting ceremony was held. Among those on stage were Mario Vattani, Ambassador of Italy to Japan and Honorary Chairman of the Executive Committee, Hideyuki Yokoyama, Mayor of Osaka, and Denis Coan, President of Bulgari Japan. When the button was pressed on stage, projection mapping was displayed on the Main Tower. After the show, Ambassador Vattani said, "It was wonderful," and concluded, "I want to see it again." Mayor Yokoyama reflected, "It was truly moving," and praised the content, which incorporated the history of Osaka Castle, Italian cityscapes, and the Expo, as "projection mapping with a wonderful message." President Coan described the event as "an opportunity to deliver a message of friendship and cultural exchange, and to wish for a bright future for Osaka."
What is the Venue "Osaka Castle"? The History of the Main Tower and Projection Location
Osaka Castle is a castle built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Before the castle was constructed, the site was home to Osaka Hongan-ji Temple (Ishiyama Hongan-ji). The current main keep was reconstructed in 1931 (Showa 6) with donations from local citizens.
The projection for "SINFONIA" will be displayed on the south face of this main keep. The event venue is the Honmaru (main enclosure) of Osaka Castle, where the main keep stands.
Access to Osaka Castle "SINFONIA"
The nearest stations to Osaka Castle Honmaru are JR Osaka Castle Park Station and Osaka Metro Tanimachi 4-chome Station!
The viewing area for the event is located in Osaka Castle Honmaru (1-1 Osaka Castle, Chuo-ku, Osaka City).
The nearest stations are Morinomiya Station and Osaka Castle Park Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line and Chuo Line, and Temmabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line and Keihan Railway. The venue is about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the Otemon Gate of Osaka Castle. Please allow plenty of time when visiting.
Enjoy a story of light connecting Japan and Italy at Osaka Castle at night!
"SINFONIA" will be shown every night until Sunday, October 25, 2026. At the lighting ceremony, Mayor Yokoyama called on "many people in Osaka, and people all over Japan, to enjoy Osaka Castle." If you visit Osaka, why not experience the story of light connecting Japan and Italy at Osaka Castle at night?
Osaka Castle Projection Mapping "SINFONIA"｜Event Overview
- Name: 160th Anniversary of Japan-Italy Diplomatic Relations Osaka Castle Projection Mapping "SINFONIA"
- Dates: 11 days from Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 25, 2026
- Venue: Osaka Castle Honmaru (projection on the south face of Osaka Castle Main Keep)
- Showtimes: Every 20 minutes between 19:00 and 22:00 during the event period. Each show lasts about 6 minutes. Showtimes may be adjusted depending on crowd conditions
- Admission: Free, no advance registration required. Standing only, no seating available
- Notes: Admission may be restricted during crowded times. The event may be changed or canceled due to weather or other circumstances. Please watch your step during dark periods
- Official website: https://www.asahi.com/ads/sinfonia
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