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A shopping and entertainment complex that has become a symbol of Fukuoka, Canal City Hakata has refurbished the "Sun Plaza" event space that lies within the facility, as a part of their 20 year anniversary celebrations. Included in this refurbishment initiative, is the introduction of an experience-based attraction called "Canal Aqua Panorama," which makes use of 3D projection mapping (at 2,500 inches this is one of the biggest in Japan), illuminations, audio and water fountains. The new fountain devices are incredibly sensitive and dynamic, meaning that audience will really be able to enjoy the productions. The new display was unveiled to the public on Saturday 19th November, but just before that there was a preview for the press on Thursday 17th November and asianbeat went along to check it out!

At the preview, the Canal Aqua Panorama featured the "ONE PIECE Water Spectacle" (8 minutes) and the "Aqua Illumination Show" (4 minutes), which will be running until the 15th January next year. The Canal Aqua Panorama's first showcase will be an original story from ONE PIECE, which has proven to be a tremendously popular manga/anime all over the world. This "ONE PIECE" world can only be experienced here and is not something to be missed out on! At an astonishing 65 meters, the 3D projection mapping that they operate shows images on of the largest scales in the whole of Japan. The vivid, brightly colored light production mix together with the splendid water fountains reflecting the illuminations to create a fantastic and magical world.

This shape-shifting water fountain show is accompanied by music, and with wonderful colors used to tell the stories, onlookers will find themselves totally transfixed. When the fountains get really high, if you edge your way a bit closer to the action, the light reflecting against the sprays of water look so beautiful! From one of the floors higher up, you can make out the projections in their entirety, which is a charming and unique experience.

The newly installed fountains form an attraction that has simply been called "Dancing Water." The moving images and audio are in perfect sync, creating a magnificent sight! The more you take it in, the more you get wrapped up in the beauty of all the changing shapes and forms.

Building on from the "Canal Tourist Lounge," an information center for international tourists that gives people the chance to really experience Japanese culture, (asianbeat covered the center before, for further info, click here!), there are new places popping up in Canal City Hakata, which are going down a storm with people visiting from abroad. With this year marking 20 years since their opening, there's no doubt that the ever growing and evolving Canal City Hakata has much more fun in store for us in the future! (Editorial dept.: Gon)