Transfixed by Minato-ku’s Night Spots! Video Contest “Minato, Ugoku (Minato, Moving) Open for Entry
Location: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo / Shinmei
“Minato, Ugoku,” a video contest looking for Minato-ku’s most “Instaworthy” nighttime spots, was opened to applicants on October 15, 2024 and welcomes submissions from entrants both within Japan and from overseas. The contest organizers are looking for short videos of around 15 seconds that show Minato-ku lit-up at night, including of illuminated buildings and structures or cityscapes. The contest is sure to attract lots of amazing video submissions showing off Minato-ku’s vibrant nightscape. Sponsorship for the contest is provided by the Tokyo Minato City Travel & Tourism Association - Nighttime Economy Division. For this article, we spoke with Mr. Yasutoshi Kanda, Chair of the Division and Executive Manager of The Prince Park Tokyo, and Ms. Rumi Owada of Ohwada-gumi, who came up with the initial idea for the contest. We spoke about a range of topics, including the outline of the contest and the appeal of Minato-ku’s night spots.
Activities of the Nighttime Economy Division and Aim of the Contest
――To start off, perhaps you could tell us a little about the Nighttime Economy Division?
Mr. Yasutoshi Kanda (hereinafter, “Mr. Kanda”): “The Nighttime Economy Division is responsible for thinking up ways to get more from Minato-ku’s nighttime economy, which is to say the period from evening through to early morning. The group is made up of about 40 companies in total, with those companies encompassing a broad range of businesses, including eating and drinking establishments, travel businesses, and hotels, which just to happens to be the sector that my company belongs to. Aside from the Nighttime Economy Division, the Tokyo Minato City Travel & Tourism Association also has a Waterfront Division and a Temples & Shrines Division, which are both major tourist resources for the Minato-ku district.”
Ms. Rumi Owada (hereinafter, “Ms. Owada”): “The members of the group regularly meet to discuss ways to attract people to Minato-ku’s night spots. Also, if any of the members of the larger Tokyo Minato City Travel & Tourism Association are interested in what our group is doing, we provide them with information about our activities from time to time.”
Mr. Yasutoshi Kanda (hereinafter, “Mr. Kanda”): “The Nighttime Economy Division is responsible for thinking up ways to get more from Minato-ku’s nighttime economy, which is to say the period from evening through to early morning. The group is made up of about 40 companies in total, with those companies encompassing a broad range of businesses, including eating and drinking establishments, travel businesses, and hotels, which just to happens to be the sector that my company belongs to. Aside from the Nighttime Economy Division, the Tokyo Minato City Travel & Tourism Association also has a Waterfront Division and a Temples & Shrines Division, which are both major tourist resources for the Minato-ku district.”
Ms. Rumi Owada (hereinafter, “Ms. Owada”): “The members of the group regularly meet to discuss ways to attract people to Minato-ku’s night spots. Also, if any of the members of the larger Tokyo Minato City Travel & Tourism Association are interested in what our group is doing, we provide them with information about our activities from time to time.”
――Is the holding of this video contest one of the initiatives for attracting people to Minato-ku’s night spots?
Mr. Kanda: “Yes, that’s right. Honestly, owing to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not really had much in the way of opportunity to initiate anything significant up until now. However, in the roughly two years since I assumed the position of chair of the group, the number of tourists from overseas has increased dramatically. As part of that, we have seen a revitalization of evening and nighttime activity, particularly in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. So, in terms of proactively thinking up ways to attract people to Minato-ku rather than just providing people with information on tourist spots, this was the first opportunity for us at the Nighttime Economy Division to really do something concrete.”
Ms. Owada: “Minato-ku is home to a lot of famous areas, including Roppongi, Akasaka and Shinbashi. There is a deep well of nighttime tourist attractions to draw from. All of us in the group share the wish that visitors to Minato-ku, be they from Japan or overseas, are able to enjoy the district both during the day and at night.”
Kanda: “For example, if you come to Minato-ku for tourism, you are probably going to be staying in a hotel at night. There are almost certainly options for eating out nearby your accommodation. Places to go for a drink too. For getting around, you can probably use a cab or even a water taxi. There are so many places which light up at night. Basically, what I’m saying is that when people visit Minato-ku at nighttime, it invigorates local businesses and fills the streets with life This was the thinking behind Ms. Owada’s suggestion to hold a video contest and the reason why we decided to run with the project."
Mr. Kanda: “Yes, that’s right. Honestly, owing to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not really had much in the way of opportunity to initiate anything significant up until now. However, in the roughly two years since I assumed the position of chair of the group, the number of tourists from overseas has increased dramatically. As part of that, we have seen a revitalization of evening and nighttime activity, particularly in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. So, in terms of proactively thinking up ways to attract people to Minato-ku rather than just providing people with information on tourist spots, this was the first opportunity for us at the Nighttime Economy Division to really do something concrete.”
Ms. Owada: “Minato-ku is home to a lot of famous areas, including Roppongi, Akasaka and Shinbashi. There is a deep well of nighttime tourist attractions to draw from. All of us in the group share the wish that visitors to Minato-ku, be they from Japan or overseas, are able to enjoy the district both during the day and at night.”
Kanda: “For example, if you come to Minato-ku for tourism, you are probably going to be staying in a hotel at night. There are almost certainly options for eating out nearby your accommodation. Places to go for a drink too. For getting around, you can probably use a cab or even a water taxi. There are so many places which light up at night. Basically, what I’m saying is that when people visit Minato-ku at nighttime, it invigorates local businesses and fills the streets with life This was the thinking behind Ms. Owada’s suggestion to hold a video contest and the reason why we decided to run with the project."
――What made you think of the video contest format?
Ms. Owada: “The Tokyo Minato City Travel & Tourism Association has been hosting photo competitions for a long time, and they proved to be widely popular. This made us think that perhaps it would be possible to similarly introduce tourist hotspots in Minato-ku, but in video format instead. We decided to only allow short-form video entries—up to a maximum of 15 seconds— because this reflects the global trend for such videos, as you can see on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.”
Mr. Kanda: “Creating a 15-second video definitely requires some editing skills if you want to tell a story of some kind, but, at the same time, as long as you have an actual idea, it is a great amount of time to create something of value, even if you’re not a professional.”
Ms. Owada: “The Tokyo Minato City Travel & Tourism Association has been hosting photo competitions for a long time, and they proved to be widely popular. This made us think that perhaps it would be possible to similarly introduce tourist hotspots in Minato-ku, but in video format instead. We decided to only allow short-form video entries—up to a maximum of 15 seconds— because this reflects the global trend for such videos, as you can see on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.”
Mr. Kanda: “Creating a 15-second video definitely requires some editing skills if you want to tell a story of some kind, but, at the same time, as long as you have an actual idea, it is a great amount of time to create something of value, even if you’re not a professional.”
Minato-ku is full of “Instaworthy” nighttime spots!
――Am I right in saying that the contest is open to everybody, including amateurs?
Ms. Owada: “Yes, that’s correct. We have created a category for students and a category for the general public. Also, the contest is open to a global audience, so we hope to receive videos from abroad too. People can even submit videos they took with their smartphones.”
Mr. Kanda: “The reasons that bring overseas visitors to Japan these days is slightly different to before. It’s no longer just about going to tourist hotspots like Kyoto or Mt. Fuji, or about eating certain foods like sushi or tempura. There are also increasing numbers of people coming with the express purpose of taking photographs and shooting video. At The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, we have created a pamphlet called “Minato Scenic Views,” which is a guide to the most photogenic spots in Minato-ku. One such area is the stairwell of the Tokyo Tower Parking Center (an underground parking lot) from which you can take pictures of Tokyo Tower. There are throngs of people there every single day. You’ll find rows and rows of visitors from overseas there all stood taking photographs.
Ms. Owada: “Yes, that’s correct. We have created a category for students and a category for the general public. Also, the contest is open to a global audience, so we hope to receive videos from abroad too. People can even submit videos they took with their smartphones.”
Mr. Kanda: “The reasons that bring overseas visitors to Japan these days is slightly different to before. It’s no longer just about going to tourist hotspots like Kyoto or Mt. Fuji, or about eating certain foods like sushi or tempura. There are also increasing numbers of people coming with the express purpose of taking photographs and shooting video. At The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, we have created a pamphlet called “Minato Scenic Views,” which is a guide to the most photogenic spots in Minato-ku. One such area is the stairwell of the Tokyo Tower Parking Center (an underground parking lot) from which you can take pictures of Tokyo Tower. There are throngs of people there every single day. You’ll find rows and rows of visitors from overseas there all stood taking photographs.
――It sounds like it’s become something of a favorite photo-spot for overseas tourists.
Mr. Kanda: “There are other spots too. The intersection at Akabanebashi, for example, is also packed with tourists. It’s just an ordinary intersection. But, there is sign there that says “Tokyo Tower” in English and it’s become a bit of a thing with overseas visitors to go there and take photographs with both Tokyo Tower and the sign in the same frame.”
Ms. Owada: “Every day, you’ll find a group of around 20 people gathered at this utterly unremarkable intersection. I guess it's seen as a shot that will really impress their friends back home.”
Mr. Kanda: “In terms of Japanese people’s sensibilities, it's probably not a scene that many would think of capturing. However, perhaps because of this, it might end up leading to some interesting video submissions that we Japanese people would never come up with ourselves. I think that’s really exciting.”
Mr. Kanda: “There are other spots too. The intersection at Akabanebashi, for example, is also packed with tourists. It’s just an ordinary intersection. But, there is sign there that says “Tokyo Tower” in English and it’s become a bit of a thing with overseas visitors to go there and take photographs with both Tokyo Tower and the sign in the same frame.”
Ms. Owada: “Every day, you’ll find a group of around 20 people gathered at this utterly unremarkable intersection. I guess it's seen as a shot that will really impress their friends back home.”
Mr. Kanda: “In terms of Japanese people’s sensibilities, it's probably not a scene that many would think of capturing. However, perhaps because of this, it might end up leading to some interesting video submissions that we Japanese people would never come up with ourselves. I think that’s really exciting.”
――What other things are you looking for in the video submissions?
Mr. Kanda: “I’d hope to see something with a story, but I’d also like something immersive that reflects the passing of time somehow. This is just one idea, but maybe somebody could create something like a time-lapse video of the downtown areas of Minato-ku showing how the neon lighting changes as evening passes into night and on into the early morning. I think that would be quite interesting.”
Ms. Owada: “I like that idea. I would like to see some videos showing the view as seen from the waterfront or from boats on the bay. One of my favorite sights is looking up at the Yurikamome Line and Rainbow Bridge from a boat out on Tokyo Bay. The view, particularly at night, is truly beautiful.”
Mr. Kanda: “I’d hope to see something with a story, but I’d also like something immersive that reflects the passing of time somehow. This is just one idea, but maybe somebody could create something like a time-lapse video of the downtown areas of Minato-ku showing how the neon lighting changes as evening passes into night and on into the early morning. I think that would be quite interesting.”
Ms. Owada: “I like that idea. I would like to see some videos showing the view as seen from the waterfront or from boats on the bay. One of my favorite sights is looking up at the Yurikamome Line and Rainbow Bridge from a boat out on Tokyo Bay. The view, particularly at night, is truly beautiful.”
――Even the most well-known spots, like Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, can be looked at differently if shot on video rather than with a static image, wouldn't you say?
Mr. Kanda: “I’m sure we’re in for some really imaginative submissions. I’m very excited to see what we will get. Due to the nature of my work, I am excited to see submissions showing Tokyo Tower. For example, at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, we have a shrine type area where we hold wedding receptions and things like that. The view of Tokyo Tower illuminated at night from there is exceptional. I would be really excited to see somebody reflect the true beauty of the tower at night.”
Mr. Kanda: “I’m sure we’re in for some really imaginative submissions. I’m very excited to see what we will get. Due to the nature of my work, I am excited to see submissions showing Tokyo Tower. For example, at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, we have a shrine type area where we hold wedding receptions and things like that. The view of Tokyo Tower illuminated at night from there is exceptional. I would be really excited to see somebody reflect the true beauty of the tower at night.”
Location: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
――After the submission and review period, the winning entries will be decided in February 2025, correct?
Ms. Owada: “The winning entries will be announced at Club 333 (Club Triple Three) on the main deck area of Tokyo Tower. The creators of the winning entries will be gifted coupons that they can use within Minato-ku. We are also planning on displaying their videos on signage within Minato-ku as a secondary incentive.”
Mr. Kanda: “Club333 has a huge 260-inch LED screen which they have kindly agreed to let us use to display the winning entry for a period of one month. We are also hoping that the videos will be available to view on the websites and social media pages of some of the businesses who our group collaborate with.”
Ms. Owada: “The winning entries will be announced at Club 333 (Club Triple Three) on the main deck area of Tokyo Tower. The creators of the winning entries will be gifted coupons that they can use within Minato-ku. We are also planning on displaying their videos on signage within Minato-ku as a secondary incentive.”
Mr. Kanda: “Club333 has a huge 260-inch LED screen which they have kindly agreed to let us use to display the winning entry for a period of one month. We are also hoping that the videos will be available to view on the websites and social media pages of some of the businesses who our group collaborate with.”
――I’m excited to see the types of video submissions you will receive.
Ms. Owada: ”The title of the contest ‘Minato, Moving’ is, of course, in one sense suggestive of the movie format of the entries, but, at the same time, it also evokes a sense of Minato-ku being on the move. I hope that we receive videos that will really speak to the judges on a heartfelt level. Oh, and another thing. Throughout the contest period, we will be running tours of some of Minato-ku’s best nighttime spots. We hope you will come and join us.”
Mr. Kanda: “Minato-ku is full of tourist hot spots, not least of which are Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge. It’s also home to a lot of famous neighborhoods, including Roppongi, Akasaka, Azabu, and Shinbashi. Each of these neighborhoods also has its own spectacular nightscapes. Although saying that, it’s actually somewhat surprising to hear that a lot of people don't actually know that these spots are located in Minato-ku. The aim of the contest is to remind everybody about the diversity of nighttime spots available in Minato-ku; showing-off the appeal of not just a single spot, but the appeal of the entire ward. We are excited to see videos that really represent Minato-ku, and in such a way that will cause people to turn their heads when the videos are displayed on signage.”
Ms. Owada: ”The title of the contest ‘Minato, Moving’ is, of course, in one sense suggestive of the movie format of the entries, but, at the same time, it also evokes a sense of Minato-ku being on the move. I hope that we receive videos that will really speak to the judges on a heartfelt level. Oh, and another thing. Throughout the contest period, we will be running tours of some of Minato-ku’s best nighttime spots. We hope you will come and join us.”
Mr. Kanda: “Minato-ku is full of tourist hot spots, not least of which are Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge. It’s also home to a lot of famous neighborhoods, including Roppongi, Akasaka, Azabu, and Shinbashi. Each of these neighborhoods also has its own spectacular nightscapes. Although saying that, it’s actually somewhat surprising to hear that a lot of people don't actually know that these spots are located in Minato-ku. The aim of the contest is to remind everybody about the diversity of nighttime spots available in Minato-ku; showing-off the appeal of not just a single spot, but the appeal of the entire ward. We are excited to see videos that really represent Minato-ku, and in such a way that will cause people to turn their heads when the videos are displayed on signage.”
[Click the link below for more information on the video contest “Minato, Ugoku (Minato, Moving)”]
https://minato-ugoku.com/
Submissions welcome from amateurs and professionals alike, from both individuals and groups.
The contest is open to new submissions until 5:00 p.m. on January 31, 2025 (Friday). We look forward to seeing your depictions of the best nighttime spots in Minato-ku.
https://minato-ugoku.com/
Submissions welcome from amateurs and professionals alike, from both individuals and groups.
The contest is open to new submissions until 5:00 p.m. on January 31, 2025 (Friday). We look forward to seeing your depictions of the best nighttime spots in Minato-ku.