Osaka University startup LEP will hold a five-day public demonstration of its self-luminous plants at Shibuya Sakura Stage in Tokyo. The free exhibition runs from November 19 to 23, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day. It includes a photo booth with about 300 dishes of glowing plant cells.
Exhibition zones
The event is split across three zones at Shibuya Sakura Stage. Visitors can observe and photograph the plants inside a light-blocked booth. A monument display and a dark discovery program round out the experience.
Company context
LEP was founded in 2023 and is based in Osaka. Previous displays included the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo and the ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts hotel in September 2026. The Shibuya event places its plants in a busy urban public space.
How the plants glow
The plants use genes from glowing mushrooms to produce light through their own metabolism. They require no electricity and emit a soft, fluctuating glow rather than strong, uniform LED light. LEP is working toward light levels that could support indoor reading.
LEP will evaluate visitor questionnaires to study how the living light fits into daily city life. The project runs under the GREEN VALLEY SHIBUYA program supported by Tokyu Fudosan. The company will share updates on its special event page and official social media accounts.