(Photo by XREAL/PR Times)
Venue: Niigata Nippo Media Ship
When: September 21st - September 23rd 2026
What happens when one of Japan’s most famous virtual singers meets fireworks and augmented reality? Visitors to Niigata can find out at the Hatsune Miku Night Sky Program, an immersive event that combines the traditional appeal of a Japanese night sky festival with some seriously futuristic technology.
Now in its fourth year, the event brings together Hatsune Miku, fireworks and cutting-edge XR entertainment under a “Night Sky x Festival” theme. One of the standout experiences is a Fireworks AR Experience created in collaboration with AR technology company XREAL.
Using XREAL’s AR glasses, visitors can watch real fireworks lighting up the night sky while virtual effects are layered over the scene. Rather than simply watching a digital fireworks display, the experience combines the real world with virtual imagery, creating an unusual way to enjoy one of Japan’s favorite summer and autumn traditions.
(Photo by XREAL/PR Times)
The event also features a dedicated XREAL booth where visitors can explore the latest developments in AR and spatial computing. Experiences include “Spatial Disc” 3D video content, designed to create the feeling of being right inside a live performance, as well as Gugenka’s HoloModels digital figures.
For fans of Hatsune Miku, the event offers another way to experience the character beyond music and traditional live performances. For travelers interested in Japan’s technology and pop culture scenes, it also provides an interesting glimpse into how virtual characters and augmented reality are becoming part of real-world entertainment.
Getting there
The event takes place at the Niigata Nippo Media Ship, which is located around 12 minutes on foot from Niigata Station.
en.japantravel.com (Illustration by Japan Travel)
