With BLACKPINK’s highly anticipated third Tokyo Dome concert just weeks away. Japan is turning its major city centers into a nationwide celebration of the group’s global impact. The atmosphere is already electric — and we’re still a month out.
YG Entertainment confirmed that from January 1 to January 18, 2026, BLACKPINK is collaborating with Kobe Port Tower for an exclusive “Pink Light-Up” campaign. It is first in a series of large-scale installations set to appear across Japan.
The project commemorates BLACKPINK’s three-night Tokyo Dome run their first solo shows in Japan in nearly 2 years and 9 months.
Kobe Turns Into a BLACKPINK City: Pink Towers, Photo Zones & Fan Experiences
Kobe is the first to undergo its transformation, with the city’s iconic Port Tower becoming a glowing pink tribute every night. But the campaign extends far beyond a light show — entire streets are being redesigned as “BLACKPINK Spots” for fans and tourists.
What Fans Can Experience in Kobe
- 5th-floor rooftop photo zone: A cinematic walkway where fans can shoot film-like videos with tower views.
- BLACKPINK photo exhibition: Showcasing moments from the group’s world tour and behind-the-scenes captures.
- Limited-edition café menu: Inspired by BLACKPINK’s signature colors and aesthetics.
- Citywide visuals: Posters, projections, and digital displays featuring Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa.
The opening day saw heavy foot traffic, proving the group’s overwhelming pull in Japan even before the main campaign fully rolls out.
Pop-up Stores Across Japan Continue to Draw Massive Crowds
The light-up project builds on the momentum of BLACKPINK’s ongoing Japan pop-up relay, launched in July 2025. Major department stores in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagoya have all hosted themed pop-ups, and LOFT stores in nine major cities are also participating.
Despite months of operation, the fan turnout hasn’t slowed — a clear indicator of BLACKPINK’s “evergreen” popularity.
Tokyo Dome 2026: What Makes This Comeback So Special?
BLACKPINK’s 2026 Tokyo Dome shows mark:
- Their third time performing at the legendary venue (after 2019 and 2023)
- Their long-awaited return to the Japanese stage after nearly three years
- Their first Dome concerts under the banner of the massive “BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR <DEADLINE>”
A Historic World Tour Run
The DEADLINE world tour began in July at Goyang Stadium — making BLACKPINK the first K-pop girl group to begin a tour at a stadium-level venue in Korea — includes:
- 33 shows
- 16 major cities
- Sold-out stops across North America and Europe
- A highly anticipated Asia leg, now underway
This tour has been praised for its elevated production scale, artistic direction, and setlist experimentation.
Why Japan Is Going All-In: Cultural & Fan Significance
Japan has consistently been:
- One of BLACKPINK’s largest international markets
- A region with strong physical album sales
- A hub of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle collaborations linked to the members
Transforming cities into immersive “pink zones” is not only a celebration — it’s a strategic acknowledgment of the group’s economic and cultural power.
Conclusion: A Full-Country Rollout That Sets a New K-pop Benchmark
BLACKPINK’s Japan “Light Up” campaign is more than a promo event — it’s a nationwide cultural takeover. With towers glowing pink, crowds filling pop-ups months after launch, and an upcoming Dome concert that’s already generating massive buzz, BLACKPINK continues redefining what global fan engagement looks like.
As Japan prepares for January 2026, one thing is clear:
The country isn’t just welcoming BLACKPINK — it’s turning itself INTO BLACKPINK.
