By Beth Deitchman
From high up in her tower, Rapunzel would gaze at the floating lanterns she’d see released every year on her birthday, unaware they were launched with the hope of lighting her way home. From the moment we first watched Walt Disney Animation Studios’ feature Tangled in 2010, we felt her longing—along with a bit of our own, too. It was Rapunzel’s dream to see the lanterns up close, and now Disney fans in Tokyo have the opportunity to experience the floating lanterns for themselves, up-close-and-personal in an innovative new way!
As part of an ongoing exhibition that celebrates Disney animation at Miraikan—The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo, presented by the Walt Disney Animation Research Library (ARL), guests can step into the story like never before. Walt Disney Animation Studios Tangled Experience powered by teamLab is an interactive installation that lets you see the light… and the light sees you, too! The lanterns—seemingly thousands of them—are intended to symbolize love and caring for someone important. When visitors stop in front of the lights, they shine brighter and the glow spreads to other nearby lanterns. Watch this video from our friends at Disney Japan to see how magical this experience truly is.
Artist collective teamLab, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the ARL collaborated for the Tangled Experience, which is part of the exhibition The Art of Disney—The Magic of Animation, the first of its kind in Japan. The exhibition celebrates Disney’s rich history of animation and spans nearly 90 years, from Steamboat Willie to the 2016 feature Moana. It consists of approximately 500 works of original art, sketches, and concept art that has been selected by our friends at the ARL.
Both Walt Disney Animation Studios Tangled Experience powered by teamLab and The Art of Disney—The Magic of Animation continue through September 24, 2017, so book a flight to see the light. Tokyo is where you’re meant to be for this immersive special event.
The Art of Disney—The Magic of Animation is organized by Miraikan—The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Nippon Television Network Corporation, The Yomiuri Shimbun, and WOWOW INC.
