An event in Tokyo was aglow recently thanks in part to Corning’s Fibrance™ Light-Diffusing Fiber.

More than 1,200 people gathered at a special cultural event hosted by the popular Japanese rock-electronic band, Sakanaction. In addition to live music, the gathering showcased culture, technology, and art exhibits, including an installation with Fibrance technology.

Sakanaction has several hit singles on the Japanese music charts, and the group’s lead singer, Ichiro Yamaguchi, came up with the idea to host this collaborative event. Yamaguchi outreached to a variety of artists and designers to transform part of the event space into an art gallery to highlight culture and technology.

A lighting designer working on the event found Fibrance Light-Diffusing Fiber on Corning’s website and contacted the Japanese Fibrance technology team.

"He believed that Fibrance technology would be able to offer a new way of lighting for the Pop scene," said Yasuyuki Kagawa, Sr. Sales Manager for Corning Specialty Materials in Japan. “Working with the designer, we came up with an approach to apply our light-diffusing fiber in this art installation that embodied the spirit of the event.”

During the event, a model donning a costume with Fibrance technology, complete with illuminated sneakers, came to the center of the room and displayed the work of art in front of the Japanese drum performers. But the audience was in for a special treat when the lights went out, the black lights went on, and Fibrance’s true beauty shined bright.

“By its very nature, Fibrance technology is the fusion between glass and art. This is what made it an attractive material to highlight during the event,” said Kagawa.

“With technical applications in the consumer electronics industry, as well as its beautiful aesthetic properties, more and more designers are considering Fibrance technology for their next project or installation.”