In 2003, my company and studio Spatial Imaging was commissioned for a truly unique holographic installation for the Xen Restaurant in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, Japan. The project was conceived, art directed, and managed by Spatial Imaging’s former director, now independent artist, Jeffrey Robb. The installation consisted of three large-format, 50 x 60 cm, laser transmission holograms suspended in front of a real waterfall, all inside of the restaurant. The holograms depicted life-sized salmon fish and were created and positioned to give the illusion that the holographic fish were leaping from the real waterfall.

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​Illumination was supplied by three 532 nm solid‑state YAG lasers mounted beneath the bridge in front of the waterfall. Their output was delivered through optical fibres routed under the water, emerging only a few inches above the surface. The holograms were installed with a backward tilt of roughly 40 degrees, allowing them to be illuminated from below while remaining perfectly viewable to anyone standing on the bridge and looking down into them.

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​The effect of water continually running over the ends of the optical fibre created a shimmering effect, as if the holographic salmon fish were moving. The effect was truly mesmerising. ​​In addition, single-beam Denisyuk holograms of fish were inlayed into the tables and bar countertops.

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The fish models were supplied by John Perry, Holographics North, USA, holograms shot by Holographics North and Spatial Imaging, and installation conducted by the artist-holographer Matthew Schrieber.

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The project won Spatial Imaging two 2003 International Hologram Manufacturers Association Awards, one for Promotion/illustration and one for BEST OF THE YEAR.