To welcome a blissful Year of the Snake, Times Square joins hands with Japanese illustrator Heisuke Kitazawa to introduce the Lucky Chessland! From now until February 16, the Open Piazza transforms into a giant chessboard to host a series of life-size installations inspired by master Kitazawa’s drawings, bringing to life the gold ingots, candies, chess pieces, windmills, fairy ponies, interactive wishing trees, and other auspicious Chinese New Year essentials! In addition, a crew of 8 giant maneki-nekos will be spreading love and luck in different adorable poses at the mall Atrium and Food Forum (10/F). What’s more, the “Lucky Chessland” Red Packets and “Ladders in Bloom” board game will be available for redemption for Team Times members. It is going to be another thriving year of good luck and prosperity!
Japanese Illustrator Master Heisuke Kitazawa
Born in Yokohama, Heisuke Kitazawa is a renowned Japanese illustrator known for his playful and vibrant style. His works are characterized by such intricate patterns and detailed storytelling that each piece is in itself a living fairytale. As a much sought-after illustrator, he has collaborated with a vast array of popular brands. This Lucky Chessland project with Times Square centers on a vivid chessboard and some familiar Chinese New Year talismans, such as windmills, ponies, bouquets, maneki-nekos, and many more, making for a perfect Insta-spot for mall patrons during this festive time of the year.
Giant auspicious chessboard with wishing trees for a prosperous CNY
The Open Piazza transforms into a giant chessboard in red and pink for a festive vibe, housing the “Fortune Chess Pieces”, “Flourish Windmills”, “Fairy Ponies”, and “Fabled Wishing Trees” zones.
The “Fortune Chess Pieces” zone shall bring fortune and wealth to patrons in the New Year, with its auspicious gold ingot and candy installations.
A lineup of colorful windmills in different shapes, including a 3.4-meter one, await patrons in the “Flourish Windmills” zone, bringing in good luck and driving away evil spirits. Patrons can also spin some of these unique charms to roll in good fortune for the new year!
The “Fairy Ponies” zone reimagines a familiar fairytale scene: three majestic ponies galloping in a prairie. With saddles elaborately decorated with candies and elegant patterns, these glistening equines symbolize vibrancy and vitality in the year ahead!
The “Fabled Wishing Tree” zone features two 3.4-meter sparkly wishing trees, accompanied by a few glowing dice. Register as a Team Times member and send in your best wishes to get a complimentary faichun and make your dream come true!
Eight maneki-nekos laze around mall Atrium and Food Forum
The New Year blessings continue onto the mall Atrium, where the flooring is adorned with red and pink flower stickers for a flourishing atmosphere. Lazing around here are six giant maneki-nekos with stacks of gold coins waiting to be photographed! Patrons will find two other maneki-nekos in the Food Forum (Level 10) waiting to be fed. Snap a shot with each of these bon vivants for a prosperous year ahead!
Times Square Lucky Chessland
Date: Now until February 16, 2025
Time: 10am – 10pm
Location: Open Piazza, 2/F Atrium, and 10/F Food Forum, Times Square
