Colorful Cruising on Japan’s Lake Biwa

In November 1968, Shiga Prefecture in Japan and the state of Michigan in the United States agreed to become “Sister Cities”, and in order to cement the new friendship an American style paddleboat on Japan’s Lake Biwa was given the name “Michigan”.

Download a short video clip of the Michigan (3.18 MB)

Exterior 200 color
A romantic cruise on the “Michigan” has always been a favorite activity for both locals and tourists alike, with spectacular views of the lake and surrounding landscape a special experience. At night however, scenery was limited.

Hajime Hamai of Lighting Technology & Device was called upon to develop a lighting scheme for the boat and turned to Martin Professional Japan to provide three Martin Architectural Exterior 200 color changers to illuminate the large paddlewheel. Installed on the boat’s outdoor second floor ceiling, the Exteriors create a spellbinding and beautiful effect as ever changing color mixes with splashing white water. Now, nighttime passengers and people on shore enjoy a more dazzling sight as the “Michigan” journeys across the lake.

MiniMAC Profile
The “Michigan’s” color makeover doesn’t stop there however. As one of the biggest paddleboats in Japan with a length of nearly 60 meters and capacity of 787, the three-story boat features numerous entertainment opportunities including two dining rooms, a large hall, VIP room, sun deck and performance stage. Six Martin MiniMAC Profile have been installed at the third floor stage where a “Michigan Live Show” lets visitors experience an American show complete with show lighting and New Orleans tunes.

The “Michigan” cruises several times a day, and night, year round. Private parties can even charter the paddleboat for wedding cruises or special parties. Lake Biwa lies in Shiga Prefecture in the western part of Japan and is one of the oldest lakes in the world. Its natural beauty and cultural heritage make Shiga a popular destination for tourists with over four million visitors every year.