Ginza’s Shop Windows, Distant Cousins of the Galeries Lafayette
Like the big Parisian department stores, those in this chic Tokyo district create ‘artistic windows’ every year in the runup to Christmas.
© Shiseido Ginza Building
In the runup to Christmas, the department stores in Paris, such as the Galeries Lafayette, stage an impressive spectacle for tourists and visitors.
A different theme is selected each year, and the various shops compete to see who can be most inventive in telling a story through their world-renowned décor.
A competition recognising the most magnificent installations
In Ginza, one of the most popular shopping districts in Japan, the shops work on this same principle of ‘artistic windows’. They adapt according to the different public holidays throughout the year: New Year, Hanami, Halloween and Christmas.
To encourage local businesses to get involved, the city has held the Ginza Display Contest since 1979, an annual competition in recognition of the most magnificent shop window. The contest takes place over Christmas, the period during which shopfronts are adorned in all their finery. In order to stand out, some use screens, lights and other forms of new technology.
More information about the shop windows in Ginza can be found on the shopping district’s official website.
© Ginza Six
© Mitsukoshi Ginza
© Wako
TRENDING
-
Makoto Fujiwara, a Career Built on Stone
The book 'Stone and Makoto' retraces the sculptor's career in a series of 90 photographs, accompanied by accounts written by the artist.
-
How Lily Deakin Rediscovered the Carefree Spirit of Childhood Through Pole Dancing
Despite the hypersexualised clichés that surround it, this discipline that breeds physical strength and self-confidence is growing in Japan.
-
‘Chindogu’, the Genius of Unusable Objects
Ingenious but impractical inventions: this was all that was required for the concept to achieve a resounding success.
-
Recipe for Ichiraku Ramen from ‘Naruto’ by Danielle Baghernejad
Taken from the popular manga with the character of the same name who loves ramen, this dish is named after the hero's favourite restaurant.
-
Kohei Yoshiyuki, the Voyeur of Tokyo's Voyeurs
The reedition of the publication ‘The Park’ takes us on a night walk through the parks of Tokyo, out in full sight.
