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Digital Garage Announces Details of “DIG SHIBUYA DG DRONE SHOW,” the First Drone Show over Shibuya, Setting a National Record with 2,200 Drones
An Official Partner Program of DIG SHIBUYA 2025
– Digital Garage, Inc. (TSE Prime section: 4819; HQ: Tokyo; Representative Director, President Executive Officer and Group CEO: Kaoru Hayashi; Digital Garage) will host as a co-sponsor the “DIG SHIBUYA DG DRONE SHOW” (February 8, 2025) as part of “DIG SHIBUYA 2025,” tech and art festival (February 8 to 11) co-organized by Shibuya City, where 2,200 drones—the largest number in Japan—will create various art forms in the night sky over Shibuya City.
Digital Garage, headquartered in Shibuya City, has led technological advancements through various co-creation projects with the city since its establishment. Co-sponsor Redcliff is an alumni company of our “Open Network Lab,” and this drone show highlights the success of our startup development efforts.
This release provides details about the drone event to be held over Shibuya, including its concept, key messages, and the participating collaboration artists.
https://www.garage.co.jp/droneshow2025/ (only in Japanese)
■Show Concept <Pangaea>
2 hundred million years ago, the Earth had a single, unified continent. As time passed and the continents drifted apart, humanity too became divided by borders, cultures, and generations.
“Shibuya”
A town fostering encounters and connectedness. It is bustling with immense energy, where people from different cultures and backgrounds meet and carve out the future. Evolving talent, courage to take on challenges, and connected dreams.
“Pangaea-We are one-”
Expressing the spirit of co-creation in Shibuya in line with this message.
■Details of the Drone Show Production
The show will kick off with a spectacle symbolizing Shibuya City, followed by a powerful “Bokuryu” formed with 2,200 drones. The climax of this spectacle will feature “Pangaea,” a symbol of human harmony, on a grand scale. Adorable characters will also be recreated and color the Shibuya night sky in a truly special way.
Musician Tetsuya Komuro, music producer Daisuke Hinata and vocalist Carrie Suzuki will also be featured to add their musical touches. The drone show and synchronized music will create a one-of-a-kind experience that matches the striking visuals.
▽Visual Concept of the “DIG SHIBUYA DG DRONE SHOW”
▽Official Teaser for the “DIG SHIBUYA DG DRONE SHOW”
■Messages from Collaboration Artists
Tetsuya Komuro (Musician)
First, thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in DIG SHIBUYA. Music is also an integral part of Shibuya’s culture. This event, where Shibuya’s creations—naturally emerging since the 1980s—will perform alongside art, marks the beginning of a new international urban legend. The fact that it will be held early in 2025 is also highly significant. It makes the transition of Shibuya from winter to spring, and from spring to summer, even more exciting. Enjoy a vividly colorful opening night!
Daisuke Hinata (Music Producer)
When I was in middle school, I was fascinated by synthesizers. On my way home from school, I would stop by the Yamaha store in Shibuya almost every day, gazing at the Moog synthesizers I couldn’t afford, and letting my imagination run wild. Now, more than 30 years after moving to Los Angeles, I’ve returned to Shibuya and found the opportunity to share music and culture with the world. I’m honored to be working on the music for the drone show alongside my old friend, Tetsuya Komuro. This time, with the help of my bandmate from Encounter, Carrie, I hope to make the drone show even more exciting.
James Bigtwin （Digital Creator）
I am honored to be part of the team who made DiGi8, the cyber version of loyal Hachiko. It is a dream assignment because I love dogs. I hope DiGi8 can be a positive symbol for the tech industry of Shibuya, and helps promote Empathy to all people. DiGi8 floating over the skies of Tokyo will be quite amazing. My wife Kate and I thank Digital Garage for including us on this momentous project.
* Details of “DiGi8” are covered in “Drone Show Art Overview” later in this release.
■Message from Executive Show Director
Hiroyoshi Uruma (Director, Hiroyoshi Uruma Inc.)
I am deeply honored to present a show featuring 2,200 drones—the largest of its kind in Japan—above the sky of Shibuya. This project goes beyond a simple demonstration of drone technology; it explores new possibilities at the intersection of art and entertainment. In Shibuya, a city that symbolizes culture and creativity, we aim to deliver an experience that exceeds your imagination and touches the hearts of many.
■Messages from Project Leaders
Ken Hasebe (Mayor of Shibuya City)
Digital Garage has already collaborated with us on various initiatives, including startup-related events, support for “Hachi Pay,” and partnerships with cities like Sapporo. For the “DIG SHIBUYA DG DRONE SHOW,” as one of the partner programs of DIG SHIBUYA 2025, they will be joining forces with Red Cliff, an “S-Startups” certified startup, to help energize the event. This will be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to enjoy cutting-edge technology and art in a fun, accessible way. We look forward to welcoming you to the Shibuya area.
Kaoru Hayashi (President Executive Officer and Group CEO of Digital Garage)
At the “DIG SHIBUYA DG DRONE SHOW,” Digital Garage, with its long-standing commitment to supporting startups, will collaborate with Red Cliff, an Onlab alumnus, as well as artists from Japan and abroad to showcase the future of ART × Music × Technology from Shibuya. As a tech company rooted in Shibuya, we remain dedicated to nurturing startups that will shine on the global stage and accelerating next-generation technologies.
Komei Sasaki (CEO of REDCLIFF, inc.)
It is a great honor to produce the “DIG SHIBUYA DG DRONE SHOW.” In Shibuya, where innovation and culture intersect, we will create a new experience in the night sky by blending cutting-edge technology with art. This project embodies the support and knowledge we’ve gained through Digital Garage’s “Open Network Lab” and our collaboration with Shibuya City’s “S-Startups” program. It serves as an example of the vast potential of startups, and I look forward to sharing this exciting experience with many people.
■Art Details of the Drone Show
Bokuryu
“Bokuryu” is a masterpiece by Matazo Kayama, one of the most renowned artists in Nihonga (traditional Japanese painting), celebrated worldwide for his unique techniques and aesthetic beauty. This artwork was completed in 1984 as the ceiling painting of the main hall at Minobusan Kuonji Temple, the head temple of Nichiren Shu, located in Minobu, Yamanashi Prefecture.
Pangaea
“Pangaea” is an artwork by Amsterdam-based Dutch artist Victoria Kovalenchikova. The piece conveys a powerful message: as fellow inhabitants of the same planet, humanity must always show compassion for the Earth. No matter the challenges we face, we should live each day with respect and gratitude for the opportunity to exist on such a beautiful planet.
DiGi8
DiGi8: The Super Digital Dog from the Future
In 2025, the 28th-generation future digital dog, known as “DiGi8,” has time-traveled to Shibuya to liven up the city—and maybe grab some yakitori from a food stall along the way. DiGi8 is the reincarnation of the original loyal dog Hachiko, inheriting his kindness and friendly nature, and sharing a deep love for both people and the city of Shibuya.
Among the many digital dogs that exist in Tokyo in 2050, DiGi8 is special because it’s believed to be the true successor of Hachiko. Influenced by the first Hachiko’s owner, a university professor, DiGi8 is also known as a “professor dog” and is even rumored to have helped create Japan’s very first website through time travel.
Now, in 2025, DiGi8 is ready to spark a brand-new movement in Shibuya with futuristic technology!
■Event Overview of DIG SHIBUYA DG DRONE SHOW
・ Date & Time: Saturday, February 8, approximately 20 minutes after sunset
・ Location: the skies over Shibuya
・ Organizer: SHIBUYA CREATIVE TECH COMMITTEE,
・ Co-organizers: Digital Garage, Inc. and REDCLIFF, inc.
・ Sponsor: TOKYU LAND CORPORATION
■Event Overview of DIG SHIBUYA 2025
DIG SHIBUYA 2025 is a cutting-edge event that blends technology and art, created to showcase Shibuya’s facilities as world-class cultural assets and provide opportunities for more people to experience their unique charm. The DIG SHIBUYA DG DRONE SHOW will be held as an official partner program of this event.
・ Event Title: DIG SHIBUYA 2025
・ Dates: Saturday, February 8 to Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (public holiday)
・ Venues: Around Shibuya Koen-dori, including public spaces and shopping areas
・ Admission: Free (Some programs may require a fee)
・ Organizers: SHIBUYA CREATIVE TECH COMMITTEE, Japan Arts Council, and AGENCY FOR CULTURAL AFFAIRS
・ Co-organizer: Shibuya City
・ Supporters: Tokyo Metropolitan Government (public art project), Shibuya City Tourism Association, and Future Design Shibuya General Incorporated Association
・ Website: https://digshibuya.com/en/
・ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digshibuya/
＜Company Overview＞
■About Digital Garage, Inc.
Name: Digital Garage, Inc. ( https://www.garage.co.jp/en/ )
Representative: Kaoru Hayashi, Representative Director, President Executive Officer and Group CEO
Head office address: DG Bldg., 3-5-7 Ebisu Minami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shibuya PARCO DG Bldg., 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Date founded: August 1995 Business: Digital Garage’s corporate purpose is “Designing ‘New Context’ for a sustainable society with technology.” Digital Garage operates a payment business that provides one of the largest comprehensive payment platforms in Japan. In addition, DG has a marketing business that provides one-stop solutions in the digital and real world, and a startup investment and development business that reaches out to promising startups and technologies in Japan and overseas.