Tokyo Night & Light

　Although popular with foreign tourists, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s projection mapping display has come under criticism due to its daily cost of 2–3 million yen. Recently, there have also been complaints that the quality of the content is poor, and it is true that some displays lack the appeal they once had.

　That said, seeing tourists lying on the ground in the plaza outside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building every evening, eagerly awaiting the start, shows that there is more to it than just the figures.

　This ‘Tokyo Night & Light’ display and a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck are often included in tours, but the downside is that, as it is free, there are always long queues. Last week, the wait for the observation deck was 45 minutes. Naturally, there was also a long queue to come back down, so the whole trip—there and back—took an hour and a half. As even greater crowds are expected next month, I think it might be worth considering introducing an admission fee.