The drone show "Digital Garage DRONE SHOW "Earthshot"," a highlight of "DIG SHIBUYA 2026," an urban festival that combines technology and art, was held above Yoyogi Park on the evening of February 14th.

This year marks the second time the event has been held, following last year's, and the number of drones has increased significantly from 2,200 last year to 3,030. This is more than the 3,000 drones that were on display at the Osaka Kansai Expo, making it the largest drone show in Japan.

Shibuya Ward Mayor Ken Hasebe (left) and Digital Garage Representative Director, President and Group CEO Kaoru Hayashi (right)

Prior to the start of the event, Shibuya Ward Mayor Ken Hasebe took to the stage and expressed his expectations for the event, saying, "Last year, I was deeply moved by the sight of drones flying in the middle of the city. This year, the scale will be even bigger. I would be delighted if many people could experience the potential and energy that is being born from Shibuya. I would like to continue to promote urban development where technology and art create new value."

Next, Kaoru Hayashi, Representative Director, President and Group CEO of Digital Garage, the organizer of the event, explained this year's theme, "EARTHSHOT." He said, "If John F. Kennedy's 'MOONSHOT' was a challenge to head into space, then 'EARTHSHOT' focuses on the Earth and is a concept of protecting our finite environment and ecosystems. It is not a distant ideal, but rather a question of how we should face society at our feet."

Due to technical difficulties on the day, the start was delayed by about an hour, beginning at around 7:25pm. Over 3,000 lights appeared in the distant sky, forming a formation like a flock of birds, and slowly approached the venue. The audience's eyes all turned to the sky, and they couldn't help but cheer.

The light eventually faded and the aircraft blended into the darkness. The next moment, the "DIG SHIBUYA" logo appeared across the night sky.

Live performance by encounter, led by Daisuke Hinata

At the same time, they began playing YMO's signature song "Technopolis." Encounter, led by music producer Daisuke Hinata, performed live, creating a dynamic live performance in which the drones synchronized with the music.

Cover of the catalog magazine "Whole Earth Catalog"

"Whole Earth Catalog"

The first illustration was for the catalog magazine "Whole Earth Catalog," founded by Stuart Brand in 1968. In the 1960s, at a time when aspirations for space were on the rise, this legendary magazine boldly brought attention back to Earth and raised awareness of the environment. It is also known as Steve Jobs's bible.

The rocket then launches and the spaceship reaches the surface of the moon. Humans in space suits encounter the DigiHachi that emerge from the UFO, and the story returns to the blue Earth.

Countless rays of light converge and form a giant Earth.

Inside, birds, whales, and elephants are depicted living side by side with humanity as part of the creatures.

Then, Shibuya Scramble Crossing rises into the night sky, and DigiHachi appears from there again, bringing the story to its finale.

The venue erupted in cheers as the words "Happy Valentine's Day" and a heart appeared on the screen, in honor of February 14th. The approximately 10-minute program ended on a lingering note that left a sense of hope.

"If the fireworks at Meiji Jingu Gaien are a summer tradition, then I want to create a new winter tradition that brings together the best of technology," says Hayashi. There are high hopes that the drone show will become a regular winter event in Shibuya.

Venue

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Editorial Department: Takashi Fujii

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