From Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 25, 2026, the south face of the Osaka Castle main keep serves as the stage for "SINFONIA," a projection mapping show marking the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy. NAKED INC. directs and produces the show. Admission is free and no advance registration is required.
160 Years of Japan-Italy Exchange, Depicted on Osaka Castle
2026 marks the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy, as well as the 45th anniversary of the sister-city partnership between Osaka and Milan.
The six-minute projection mapping starts in the 16th century, when the construction of Osaka Castle coincided with the first encounters between the two countries. It then follows the 160 years of exchange since the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and Italy was signed in 1866, and continues into the future beyond Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Making use of the architecture of the Osaka Castle main keep, the show depicts the cultures and aesthetic sensibilities of Japan and Italy resonating with each other through light, imagery and music.
About the Concept "SINFONIA"
Japan and Italy. Two different cultures and aesthetic sensibilities resonate to play a single story.
SINFONIA is a musical form that developed within Italian opera and theater culture and became the prototype of the symphony. It resonated with stages, architecture and space, and guided the people present into a single world. At this event, light and imagery created by projection mapping are added to it. The architecture of historic Osaka Castle, music, light and imagery overlap and resonate with one another, bringing out the history and architectural beauty of Osaka Castle as well as the cultures and aesthetic sensibilities of Japan and Italy. Expressions that cross eras and borders are connected into one with Osaka Castle as the stage, creating an artistic space.
Show Outline
The Origin of the Story: The 16th Century, When the Construction of Osaka Castle and the Meeting of the Two Countries Overlap
The Osaka Castle main keep appears with its gold decoration emphasized, evoking the atmosphere of the era when the castle was built. In 1585, the Tenshō Embassy (the Japanese boy envoys to Europe) had an audience with the Pope for the first time. The show traces the culture and beauty they encountered in Italy.
160 Years in Concert: Japan and Italy's Cultures and Aesthetic Sensibilities in Resonance
The scenery of Japan and Italy in 1866, when diplomatic relations were established, gradually overlaps. The main keep shifts from its appearance at that time to its present appearance while being colored one after another by Japanese and Italian art, crafts and symbolic motifs. The cultures and aesthetic sensibilities of the two countries resonate, giving the main keep a new expression.
A Future Story Drawn by Bonds: Beyond Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
The main keep is colored with motifs symbolizing the Expo's Grand Ring and the Italy Pavilion, and the story connects from the present to the future. The viewpoint then expands from Osaka to the Earth and on into space, and the future of Japan and Italy is drawn beneath a sky full of stars.
Event Details
Event Name: SINFONIA, a project commemorating the 160th anniversary of Japan-Italy diplomatic relations
Projection Surface: South face of the Osaka Castle main keep
Viewing Venue: Osaka Castle Honmaru (1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka)
Dates: October 15 (Thursday) to October 25 (Sunday), 2026
Hours: Multiple screenings scheduled between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM (approximately 6 minutes each)
Admission: Free, no advance registration required. Free viewing, standing only (no seating)
Organizer: Osaka Castle Project Executive Committee for the 160th Anniversary of Japan-Italy Diplomatic Relations
Supporters: Osaka City, Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition
Cooperation: Consulate General of Italy in Osaka
Direction and Production: NAKED INC.
Planning: Dentsu Inc.
Notes for Visitors
- The viewing area is standing only. Entry may be temporarily restricted when it is crowded.
- Screening times, the number of screenings and the content may change, or the show may be canceled, depending on weather and operating conditions.
- Normal access to and operations at the Osaka Castle Honmaru, including admission to the main keep and MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO, are not affected.
- Please follow the instructions of staff at the venue, and watch your step when the venue goes dark.
