For the first Christmas of the Reiwa era in 2019, Omotesando Hills will be showcasing ever-changing illuminations through the magic of water. A 7-meter-tall Christmas tree is surrounded by approximately 40 special aquariums, spanning the entire space of the atrium staircase. The aquariums are covered in a "water-absorbent polymer," which becomes invisible underwater. By randomly adjusting the water level in each tank, the tree appears and disappears depending on the surface of the tank, creating a diverse display that changes depending on the time and angle of viewing.


The design was created by the contemporary design studio "we+," whose work, exhibited both domestically and internationally, expresses everyday occurrences and surprises, offering viewers new perspectives and value. The Christmas tree, which changes every moment, has a fantastical beauty that makes you want to lose track of time and just stare at its ever-changing appearance.

We spoke to the two artists who created this unique illumination display by taking advantage of the properties of water and incorporating the perspectives of art and design, about their thoughts behind the production.

Toshiya Hayashi (left) and Hokuto Ando (right) of "we+"

FASHION HEADLINE (hereinafter FH): Are there different roles between you two at "we+"?

Ando:There are four of us in the studio, including us, and we come up with ideas, conduct experiments, and discuss them before setting guidelines. From there, I take the lead on the design, while Hayashi takes the lead on the concept and copyright. However, there are no barriers between us, and we continue to discuss while thinking about each other's content.


Hayashi:A distinctive feature of our production process is "experimentation." You can't know if an idea is truly good until you actually make it. We create things experimentally, and then the two of us make judgments about the results, with the practical aspects being shared slightly between us.


"we+" Atelier

FH: How did you come up with the idea for this illumination?

Ando:As we were brainstorming ideas, the idea of "water-absorbent polymer" popped up. Water-absorbent polymer is highly transparent, and when exposed to water it blends in with the water and becomes invisible. It also has the property of reflecting light beautifully. As the overall picture gradually began to take shape, we put together a concept and continued to refine it by going back and forth between it and the expression.

Hokuto Ando of "we+"
Water-absorbent polymer: the material behind the illumination mechanism

Hayashi:The difficult part was the relationship between the water-absorbent polymer, water, ornaments, and the light. When viewed from a distance, it looks like there is a large tree inside, but it is actually an imaginary tree. The optimal distance for light and the placement of ornaments were calculated in great detail based on the absorbent polymer.

Toshiya Hayashi of "we+"

Parts used inside the aquarium to create a fictional Christmas tree


FH: The theme of this year's Christmas illuminations, "Be lured into a Christmas by the magic of water," is quite unexpected.

Ando:The task of creating a Christmas tree that no one has ever seen before using an unprecedented approach, with no clear goal in sight, was both interesting and challenging. Water is a substance that everyone comes into contact with on a daily basis, so it's easy for viewers to become immersed in the work. We also paid attention to the fact that water-absorbing polymer is a material that has become integrated into everyday life as an air freshener or ice pack.

Hayashi:We often incorporate the element of "time" into our works, and we wanted to create a tree that was constantly changing. Furthermore, we thought that by deliberately bringing "water," which has a strong image of summer, into a Christmas space, a different landscape might be seen than usual.



FH: What would you like people to see?

Ando:The change in the tree as the water fills up. After testing it at the installation location, I realized that it could be viewed from multiple angles, and I thought, "I want to share this fascinating aspect!" So I would like people to see it from above, below, on each floor, and from various locations.

Hayashi:No matter when you visit, the water in one of the tanks will be moving. First, take a look at the whole thing, and then get up close and see the water filling up, and I think you'll be amazed at how dramatically the tree changes its appearance.



FH: Your work is based around the coined word "meoki" (eye-gazing).

Ando:"Meoki" refers to the act of staring blankly at a bonfire, the sparkling surface of water, or the shapes and expressions that change over time. In urban life, we are constantly exposed to information, and our minds and hearts have no time to rest. We have lost the ability to stare blankly at something, or to examine the details of an object, and focus our attention on the phenomenon in front of us. The moving experience that is etched in our DNA is the ability to be captivated by a phenomenon. I feel that this is what is needed in the modern age.

Hayashi:It's true that when I create with the intention of "eye contact," many people stop and take a look. Art and design are "non-verbal communication." Whether in Japan or abroad, the ability to communicate between the work and the viewer without words makes them a powerful medium that can reach people's hearts. I want to expand possibilities and explore new, unseen worlds.