The Japan Festival at Kew

In October, we were delighted to work with the events team at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Supplying Lighting & Rigging to The Japan Festival. A celebration of the country’s breath-taking plants, art and culture. All within Kew’s Temperate House. At the heart of the festival is a large-scale artistic installation by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota. Titled One Thousand Springs.

Renowned for her vast, room-spanning webs of thread installations. Through which she explores human existence. Shiota’s One Thousand Springs will be suspended from the roof of the Temperate House. Constructed of 5,000 haikus, submitted by members of the public and suspended within a sea of red threads. This breathtaking installation will tell stories of our shared connections with nature and form a magnificent centrepiece to the festival.

As part of the month long installation. A series of evening ‘Japan: After Hours’ events held within the Temperate House offered visitors an opportunity to experience the best of Japan. Each evening, Kew’s Temperate House transformed into an illuminated, Japan themed space. During the After Hours events visitors enjoyed a varied programme. From dance, theatre, and live music performances to traditional flower arranging and sake sipping.

Just a quick message to say thank you to you and all the team for doing such a fantastic job on the lighting for the Japan Festival. You did an incredible job when handed a lot of challenges! The design worked extremely well. Completely transforming the After Hours events. The crew were all super as well. So respectful and a pleasure to work with. I look forward to working with you all again.

Visitor programmes manager, kew
The Japan Festival at Kew