On 12 November 2016, Orchard Road was transformed into a dazzling display of lights and shimmering stars for the Christmas season. For the first time ever, a unique collection of interactive displays were also installed, providing lots of fun interaction for everyone.

Themed “Spread the Joy”, this year marked the 26th time that the Hitachi Group of Companies has been bringing Christmas cheer to visitors as the main sponsor for this signature festive light-up.

At the light-up ceremony held at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, Mr Ichiro Iino, Chief Executive for Asia-Pacific, Hitachi, Ltd. & Chairman, Hitachi Asia Ltd., represented the Hitachi Group of Companies in Singapore to present a cheque of S$250,000 to the Community Chest, the fund-raising arm of the National Council of Social Services. In his speech, he shared that 2016 is a symbolic year that marks the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Japan diplomatic relations. Hitachi is proud to be participating in this activity for the 26th year and will continue to give back to the community, and work closely with our Singapore public and private stakeholders through ‘collaborative creation’ to improve the sustainability and quality of life for Singaporeans.

During the ceremony, Mr Hirohiko Morisaki, Managing Director of Hitachi Asia Ltd., represented the Hitachi Group of Companies in Singapore to receive a token of appreciation from Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

The highlight of the night took place when President Tony Tan activated the light-up mechanism on stage together with Mr Iino and other key guests at the event such as Mr Kenji Shinoda, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore and Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister, Ministry of Social and Family Development. Instantly, the stretch along Orchard Road spanning over 2.88 kilometres was transformed into a galaxy of brilliant lights of blue, turquoise and sapphire. Other than the centrepiece main arch at the Scotts Road and Paterson Road junction, a mini arch with Hitachi branding located outside Ngee Ann City was also popular with visitors for a memorable photo opportunity.

On this day, the stretch of road between Scotts Road and Bideford Road was specially closed to vehicular traffic for Pedestrian Night. Members of the public could walk on the road and enjoy the various musical acts, dance performances and a Christmas market selling gifts and crafts, which further added to the joyous season atmosphere that night.

Visitors can enjoy the Christmas lights daily from Saturday, 12 November 2016 to Monday, 2 January 2017.