Tokyo’s Konica Minolta Planetarium recreates Japan’s UNESCO world
heritage Yakushima forest for regular relaxation therapy events.
Available
from February to October, the Konica Minolta Planetarium’s relaxation
program now includes Star Night Healing events. Designed to help
city-dwellers relax, the events recreate Japan’s UNESCO world heritage
Yakushima forest. Equipped with special seating and infused with
essential oils, the relaxation therapy events focus on a starry night
sky and a story of natural wonder.
Participants in the
relaxation events can choose to recline in cloud seats or on a grassy
lawn, as well as traditional planetarium seats. The 50 minute long
events are narrated by an actor, and the essential oils come from the
Yakushima forest. The oils contain a healing chemical known to
particularly benefit peoples’ wellbeing. Tickets are available online
and in person at the planetarium and cost from JPY 1500. Visitors must
be elementary school age or older to take part in the relaxation events.
The
healing power of nature is increasingly being integrated into
healthcare. A dynamic LED light system is being used to improve the
wellbeing of hospital patients, and a Swedish pharmacy now prescribes
virtual reality outdoor scenes as a complement to traditional pain
relief treatments. How might smart cities use simulated nature to
improve a community’s overall wellbeing?
