Lighting designer &
principal of Motoko Ishii Lighting Design
Motoko Ishii has managed the company Motoko Ishii Lighting Design since its creation in 1968 (Tokyo).
She is also:
Honorary Director, Japan International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD Japan); Honorary Chairperson, Asian Lighting Designers’ Association (ALDA); Fellow, International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) Member, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA); Member, Japan National Committee of CIE; Honorary Member, Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan; Representative, Inter Light Forum.
Motoko Ishii, a pioneer in the field of Japanese lighting design, works with a wide range of light, from urban illumination to architectural lighting. Her activities include projects not only in Japan, but also in countries all over the world.
She graduated from Tokyo University of Fine Arts. After studying in Finland and Germany, she established her company in Tokyo.
Main works: lighting design for Tokyo Tower; Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo; Yokohama Bay Bridge; Akashi Kaikyo Bridge; Tokyo Gate Bridge; Himeji Castle; Shirakawa Village, Gifu; Sensoji Temple; Expo 2005 Aichi, Japan; Hokkaido Toyako Summit; Heijo-kyo Daigoku Palace; Ginza Kabukiza Theater; Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai; Kokyo Gaien National Garden; Nippon Budokan; Sumida River Bridge Group and others.
She received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in 2023, Selected as “Bunkakorosha” (Person of Cultural Merit) in 2019, the Shiju-hosho (Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon) from the National Government in 2000 and many international awards from authoritative organizations including over 50 awards from IESNA & IALD.
Books: MOTOKO LIGHT+SPACE+TIME; Lighting Horizons; Creation of Lightscape; and MOTOKO ∞ LIGHTOPIA, a showcase of works from her 50-year career and her latest works published in 2020.
