2026.10.02
News Event
Yambaru in Light『LIGHT ART 2026-2027』
Step into a world where Okinawan nature meets light art.
THE FLEETING BLOOM (Concept Image) – Lobby Atrium
YouRuMaru Light Art Project Brings Yambaru’s Unique Ecosystem Indoors
Starting November 20, 2026, LIGHT ART 2026–2027 YouRuMaru will showcase the rich flora of Okinawa’s Yambaru forest through interactive light installations. Located within a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Yambaru features rare botanical species with highly specific blooming cycles, often limiting opportunities for travelers to observe them in person. This initiative uses artful light projections to evoke the delicate presence of these native flowers, providing guests with an all-weather resort experience that bridges the gap between indoor relaxation and local nature.
Starting November 20, 2026, LIGHT ART 2026–2027 YouRuMaru will showcase the rich flora of Okinawa’s Yambaru forest through interactive light installations. Located within a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Yambaru features rare botanical species with highly specific blooming cycles, often limiting opportunities for travelers to observe them in person. This initiative uses artful light projections to evoke the delicate presence of these native flowers, providing guests with an all-weather resort experience that bridges the gap between indoor relaxation and local nature.
Illuminating One-Night Blooms into Timeless Light Art
The sagaribana is often called a "phantom flower" because it blooms for a single summer night and falls by the following morning. Similarly, the queen of the night (gekkabijin) is known for its brief, one-night appearance—making these rare natural wonders difficult for daytime travelers to catch in the wild.
To share this extraordinary spectacle, we have captured the fleeting radiance of these short-lived blooms as interactive light installations inside the resort. The lounge features "Sagaribana Lights" crafted with LED fiber optics and delicate floral forms, alongside a specialized installation representing the queen of the night that uses mirrored petals to capture and sweep light into soft, glowing arcs. This installation creates an immersive space where guests can discover the beauty of Yambaru’s flora from a completely new perspective—at any time of day or night.
The sagaribana is often called a "phantom flower" because it blooms for a single summer night and falls by the following morning. Similarly, the queen of the night (gekkabijin) is known for its brief, one-night appearance—making these rare natural wonders difficult for daytime travelers to catch in the wild.
To share this extraordinary spectacle, we have captured the fleeting radiance of these short-lived blooms as interactive light installations inside the resort. The lounge features "Sagaribana Lights" crafted with LED fiber optics and delicate floral forms, alongside a specialized installation representing the queen of the night that uses mirrored petals to capture and sweep light into soft, glowing arcs. This installation creates an immersive space where guests can discover the beauty of Yambaru’s flora from a completely new perspective—at any time of day or night.
Where Seasons Intersect: Rainy-Season Iju Meets Summer Blooms
Because they bloom in different seasons, experiencing the full diversity of Yambaru’s flora normally requires multiple visits throughout the year. This exhibition transcends those seasonal boundaries, bringing together plant species in a single space that travelers would never otherwise see blooming side by side.
White iju blossoms—which bloom during Okinawa’s early-summer rainy season—are represented as illuminated motifs weaving through the lounge’s greenery. Displayed alongside the summer-blooming sagaribana installations, these distinct seasonal flora converge through the medium of light, creating an immersive space where guests can experience the rich, multi-layered biodiversity of Yambaru all at once.
Because they bloom in different seasons, experiencing the full diversity of Yambaru’s flora normally requires multiple visits throughout the year. This exhibition transcends those seasonal boundaries, bringing together plant species in a single space that travelers would never otherwise see blooming side by side.
White iju blossoms—which bloom during Okinawa’s early-summer rainy season—are represented as illuminated motifs weaving through the lounge’s greenery. Displayed alongside the summer-blooming sagaribana installations, these distinct seasonal flora converge through the medium of light, creating an immersive space where guests can experience the rich, multi-layered biodiversity of Yambaru all at once.
Exhibition Piece: THE FLEETING BLOOM
Artist Statement
This artwork captures the tangible and intangible beauty of Okinawa—a true "hidden gem"—using the sagaribana, a phantom blossom native to the Yambaru forest, as its central motif. By focusing on the transient nature of flowers that bloom for only a fleeting moment, as well as the altruistic harmony through which flora and fauna sustain life together, the installation creates a unique light experience. It offers guests a fresh perspective beyond the everyday, inviting them to rediscover the rich natural heritage of Yambaru.
Artist Statement
This artwork captures the tangible and intangible beauty of Okinawa—a true "hidden gem"—using the sagaribana, a phantom blossom native to the Yambaru forest, as its central motif. By focusing on the transient nature of flowers that bloom for only a fleeting moment, as well as the altruistic harmony through which flora and fauna sustain life together, the installation creates a unique light experience. It offers guests a fresh perspective beyond the everyday, inviting them to rediscover the rich natural heritage of Yambaru.
About "YouRuMaru"
YouRuMaru is an art collective formed by Suguru Funaki and Rie Sumi. Guided by the core principles of Yui (connection), Ryu (flow), and Maru (circulation), the duo works across multiple creative mediums to craft artworks that gently shift how people see and experience the world. Their portfolio ranges from interior lighting design to large-scale public art, with creative projects across Japan and internationally.
YouRuMaru is an art collective formed by Suguru Funaki and Rie Sumi. Guided by the core principles of Yui (connection), Ryu (flow), and Maru (circulation), the duo works across multiple creative mediums to craft artworks that gently shift how people see and experience the world. Their portfolio ranges from interior lighting design to large-scale public art, with creative projects across Japan and internationally.
| Title | LIGHT ART 2026 - 2027 YouRuMaru |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 20, 2026 ~ February 28, 2027 |
| Venue | Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa, Club Lounge |
| Illumination Hours | 17:00 ~ 24:00 |
| Admission | No fees |