— A breathtaking balloon illusion featuring “koi” soaring across the night sky of Saku, Nagano —
REDCLIFF Inc. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Koumei Sasaki), a company that plans and operates drone shows, will stage a spectacular “Balloon Illusion” show on May 4, 2025 (Sunday, public holiday) at the “20th Anniversary of the New Saku City Saku Balloon Festival 2025” held in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture. The show will feature a fusion of balloons and 500 synchronized drones.
20th Anniversary of New Saku City — “Balloon Illusion”
Now in its 33rd year, the Saku Balloon Festival is one of the largest hot air balloon events in Nagano, heralding the arrival of early summer in the region. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the founding of New Saku City, this year’s festival will host a special program — “Balloon Illusion” — blending balloons and music in a magical nighttime performance.
REDCLIFF will deliver a mesmerizing 15-minute show from around 19:15 on May 4 (Sun). Set against the clear night skies of Saku, this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle will synchronize the light of 500 drones with the glow of balloon burners and an immersive musical score.
Directed by Shin-ichi Kudo, a native of Saku and renowned director, the drone show will also feature animated imagery inspired by Saku’s famous local delicacy — the “Saku Koi” carp — showcasing a fusion of regional culture and cutting-edge technology.
Comment from Director Shin-ichi Kudo
“I encountered cinema at Nozawa Entertainment Hall and worked as a projectionist at Saku Grand Cinema. To receive such an amazing opportunity in the same year I celebrate 35 years as a director is a great honor.
There’s another ‘Shinichi Kudo’ out there doing his part to promote Saku — and I’m determined not to be outdone!
What will unfold across the canvas of the night sky? Stay tuned!”
About Shin-ichi Kudo
Shin-ichi Kudo has directed and produced a wide range of creative works across commercials, music videos, TV dramas, theater, and concerts. After studying art direction in London, he directed the 2017 film Jounetsu no Bara (starring Masatoshi Nagase and Kiko Mizuhara), which was invited to 12 international film festivals. He has directed over 500 titles and received numerous awards, including the New York Festivals and MTV Video Music Awards.
His recent work for Yumi Matsutoya’s 50th anniversary project, featuring an AI recreation of her debut-era persona “Yumi Arai,” garnered major attention and won the Excellence Award in the VFX-JAPAN Awards.
His VR horror film Let’s Go Home (dir. Takashi Shimizu / Yoshihiro Nishimura), which he produced, became the first Japanese VR title to be permanently screened in Las Vegas. Known for his creative vision and aesthetic precision, Kudo continues to produce emotionally moving content.
Drone Show Experience and Exhibit
From May 3 (Sat) to May 5 (Mon), Red Cliff will also host an interactive drone exhibit at the event venue. Visitors will be able to view the actual drones used in the show up close and learn about how the performances are created, explained by expert staff. A limited number of original Red Cliff stickers will also be available.
Overview of the Drone Show at the 20th Anniversary Balloon Illusion
Event: 20th Anniversary of New Saku City — Saku Balloon Festival 2025
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025, around 19:15–approximately 15 minutes (subject to change)
Location: Chikuma River Sports Exchange Plaza, Saku City, Nagano (505-1 Naruse, Saku-shi)
Website: https://www.sakukankou.jp/balloon/
Organizer: Saku Balloon Festival Executive Committee
Production: REDCLIFF Inc.
Please note: The show may be canceled in the event of adverse weather conditions such as high wind, with safety as the top priority.