Our idea was “Urban Canyon Hanami”. We focused on the constant winds that blow down an urban canyon between towering buildings. The cherry blossom viewing which is called “Hanami” in Japan has been a familiar part of Japanese culture identity since ancient times. By merging the wind with the digitally created shower of cherry blossoms, we transformed the urban dead space into a modern, three-dimensional cherry blossom viewing experience.

We calculated complex wind flows to design strips of material that would appear beautiful in any context. Traditional kimono patterns were digitally recreated and projected upon the material so the patterns moved in synch with the winds.

That presence drew people to the area to experience and photograph those normally invisible winds. Word of the experience spread on social networks, drew in the media ranked no.1 on Japan’s largest event site and a attracted more than 440,000 visitors. Earned $4 million media coverage.

We transformed that dead space in the urban canyon from a place where the winds gather, into a place where people come together.

That wind breathed new life into the area, evoking memories of Edo. and a glimpse of the future landscape of Nihonbashi.