In 2003, Spatial Imaging conducted a commission to create a truly unique holographic installation for the Xen Restaurant, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, Japan.  The installation consisted of three large-format, 50 x 60 cm, laser trasnsmission 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 provided by three 532nm solid state YAG lasers which were positioned under the bridge in front of the waterfall, and which delivered light by way of optical fibres which ran under the water and protruded just a few inches from its surface. The holograms were positioned leaning backwards at approximately 40 degrees such that they could be illuminated from directly beneath, and could also be perfectly viewed by people standing on the bridge in front 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.

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​In addition, single-beam Denisyuk holograms of fish were inlayed into the tables and bar countertops.

 

The project was conceived and designed by Spatial Imaging's Creative Director Jeffrey Robb, with models made by Dr. John Perry, Holographics North, USA, holograms shot by Spatial Imaging, and installation conducted by artist-holographer Matthew Schrieber.

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The installation won Spatial Imaging the 2003 International Hologram Manufacturers Awards, Category: Promotion/illustration and BEST OF THE YEAR.