A new design has been added to the "Tabi suru Magnet" (Travel Magnet) series — a region-exclusive souvenir featuring an original illustration of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, created to coincide with TOKYO LIGHTS 2026, a creative light festival held at the First Main Building of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Shinjuku Central Park.
The design was created by Tsuchimochi Shinji, a Tokyo-born illustrator known for his ukiyo-e-inspired pop style that has garnered fans both in Japan and abroad.
"Tabi suru Magnet" Tokyo Metropolitan Government Original Design
Tokyo Metropolitan Government [TOKYO LIGHTS 2026]
![Tabi suru Magnet — Tokyo Metropolitan Government [TOKYO LIGHTS 2026]](https://assets.hldycdn.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=webp,quality=75,width=600/3d8e327c-5612-4ed8-afd3-d568c24662a9.png)
The design captures the world of TOKYO LIGHTS 2026 in a dynamic composition — the imposing sight of the First Main Building viewed from below, overlaid with the fantastical light display of the projection mapping. An embossed finish allows the gradients of light and three-dimensional effects to be experienced by touch as well as sight, preserving that moment of awe when you look up at the building.
"I think the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building exists as a symbol of the sci-fi future that is one of Shinjuku's charms. I also wanted to incorporate Japanese emotion, so I imagined the rain expressions painted by ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige and made the light rays fall like rain." — Tsuchimochi Shinji
About the Illustrator — Tsuchimochi Shinji
Born in Tokyo in 1979. An illustrator whose style evokes Edo-period ukiyo-e, Tsuchimochi has worked across a wide range of fields including CD artwork, book cover illustration, and TV program artwork. Internationally, he has created illustrations for Google's "Doodles" and appeared in documentary programs, working across a broad range of genres and countries.
Product Information
- Product: Tabi suru Magnet — Tokyo Metropolitan Government [TOKYO LIGHTS 2026]
- Price: ¥700 (tax included)
- On sale: From May 18 (Monday) at two observation deck shops inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- *Free entry to the observation deck
Store Information
Tokyo Metropolitan Government South Observatory — GIFT SHOP TOKYO Mikke!
- Address: 45F South Observatory, Tokyo Metropolitan Government First Main Building
- Hours: Follow the observation deck's opening hours (check the Tokyo Metropolitan Government official website for details)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government North Observatory — CAFE&SHOP SOCOCOCO
- Address: 45F North Observatory, Tokyo Metropolitan Government First Main Building
- Hours: (Observatory) 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Closed: North Observatory closed days
- Official website: https://socococo.jp/
TOKYO LIGHTS Spot Rally — Win a Limited Edition Magnet
During the TOKYO LIGHTS 2026 festival period, a "TOKYO LIGHTS Spot Rally" will be held in the Nishi-Shinjuku area. Visitors who tour the designated spots and scan the QR codes at all 7 locations will receive, while supplies last, a "Tabi suru Magnet" Tokyo Metropolitan Government [TOKYO LIGHTS 2026] (limited to 250 units).
TOKYO LIGHTS 2026 — A Creative Festival of Light Illuminating the Tokyo Night
TOKYO LIGHTS is a festival of light that has illuminated the Tokyo night since its launch in 2021. Centered around an international projection mapping competition in which creators from around the world compete, and immersive entertainment that fuses light, art, and technology, the event sends out a message of creation and hope for the future.
This year's concept is "Visible TOKYO" — expressing through the common language of light the invisible Tokyo that lies behind the skyscrapers and neon: the flow of air and wind, the afterimages of people's emotions, and the memories accumulated in this city.
Event Overview
- Name: TOKYO LIGHTS 2026
- Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Government First Main Building Tomin Plaza, Shinjuku Central Park, and more
- Dates: Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, May 31, 2026
Projection Mapping International Competition "1minute Projection Mapping Competition"
- Screening: Saturday, May 23 & Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Screening / Awards ceremony: Saturday, May 30, 2026
- Grand Finale (award-winning screenings & stage): Sunday, May 31, 2026
- Pre-registration for viewing area: https://cloud-pass.jp/get/tokyolights2026
Light Art Park
- Dates: Saturday, May 23 – Sunday, May 31, 2026
About "Tabi suru Magnet"
The "Tabi suru Magnet" is a regional souvenir concept built on a community co-creation model.
1. Local Creators Sharing Regional Culture
Rather than relying solely on well-known tourist spots from guidebooks, the series actively incorporates illustrations by local creators who know the unique local culture of each region. The designs are crafted with scenes in mind that spark new discoveries, surprises, and natural conversation.
2. Spanish Tiles and PENON's Proprietary Technology
Based on the illustrator's artwork, the Minato-machi Ceramica Studio in Onagawa, Miyagi produces 15 cm square Spanish tiles, which are then scanned and processed into three-dimensional magnets using a proprietary printing technique — a three-stage process that brings out the distinctive qualities of Spanish tile.
3. Eco-Friendly Materials from Mino Ware Upcycled Tiles
The magnets are made using upcycled tiles from Mino ware, one of Japan's three great ceramic traditions. The material incorporates 50% or more of clay that would otherwise be discarded, making it a sustainable choice that minimizes waste. The packaging uses recycled paper with no plastic materials, and store fixtures are made from recycled wood, reflecting a thorough commitment to environmental responsibility.
Official website: https://travelmagnet.jp/
Official Instagram: @travel_magnet_japan
