TOHO Cinemas Advances Sustainable Cinema with Expansion of Laser Projection

by ESG News • December 20, 2022

The statue of Godzilla at the entrance of the Toho Cinemas Hibiya, operated by Toho Cinemas Ltd. at the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, an office and shopping complex developed by Mitusi Fudosan Co., during a media event in Tokyo, Japan, on March 22, 2018. The complex will open on March 29. Photographer: Noriko Hayashi/Bloomberg

Laser Projection by Cinionic to power 159 screens throughout Japan

TOHO Cinemas, one of Japan’s largest exhibitors, and Cinionic, the leader in laser-powered cinema solutions, announce the rollout of laser projection in 159 of the esteemed circuit’s theaters. Following an initial laser installation in late 2020 at TOHO Cinemas’ Tachikawa Tachihi location, Laser Projection by Cinionic was selected for the chain’s presentation technology renewal. Work is now underway to complete the project in the coming months, offering Japanese moviegoers an environmentally friendly and elevated cinematic experience.

TOHO Cinemas has 686 screens across 73 locations in Japan, including five jointly operated cinemas with 56 screens, one of the largest and most important global film markets. With the upgrade to laser projection, TOHO Cinemas delivers an enhanced movie presentation, more contrast, greater brightness, and improved clarity while achieving a more sustainable way to go to the movies for many years to come.

“Cinionic is honored to be selected by TOHO Cinemas to power the next era of cinema for moviegoers in Japan with laser projection,” says Wim Buyens, CEO, Cinionic. “We are proud to work in a market with such a long and respected history in film and cinema. Together with TOHO Cinemas, we look forward to delighting audiences across Japan with exceptional, laser-powered entertainment.”

The majority of TOHO Cinema’s new laser deployments feature the award-winning Barco Series 4 laser projection family from Cinionic. Barco Series 4 delivers consistently brilliant images on-screen and carries industry-leading sustainability credentials to reduce the environmental footprint of cinema operations. The projection range features Barco EcoPure, providing energy savings of as much as 70% vs. traditional Xenon-based illumination, operational efficiency, and the elimination of waste from consumables.

TOHO Cinemas selected Barco solutions from Cinionic to power their transition to laser for the companies’ long heritage in cinema and expertise as the leader in laser technology. Cinionic’s commitment to sustainability was also an important factor. In addition to offering an eco-friendly laser solution portfolio, Cinionic has clear environmental goals for 2023 and beyond to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.