ASUKA III, NYK CRUISES’ first newbuild since the construction of ASUKA II over 30 years ago, set sail on her maiden passenger voyage from Ōsanbashi Pier, Yokohama, Japan in July 2025. At 52,265 gross tonnes with 381 passenger cabins, a 740-passenger capacity with 470 crew, the 230-metre-long luxury cruise ship, was approximately 5 years in the making, a process that was challenged yet greatly celebrated having been designed and constructed through the coronavirus pandemic. It is an ecologically friendly ship, fuelled by both natural gas and heavy oil, furthermore it is the first cruise ship in Japan to employ an onshore power supply system.
dpa worked in close collaboration with our client NYK CRUISES and architects SMC Design, who were responsible for all front of house exterior and interior public spaces, artwork, branding, signage & wayfinding. From the early stages of the project, the lighting design strategies were developed and integrated holistically to create a cohesive and thoughtfully composed lit environment. The brief called for lighting that would elevate a residential ambience throughout the guest experience, reflecting the brand’s core qualities of luxury, elegance, and comfort. Each space was designed with a strong narrative and character, striking a balance between cultural authenticity and international appeal.
Within the ship’s centrally positioned, three‑deck‑high Atrium, a striking artwork over nine metres tall, by celebrated Japanese Living National Treasure, Kazumi Murose, defines the space with dramatic presence. The lighting is carefully integrated both within and around the piece, enhancing its texture and narrative qualities while creating a memorable focal point visible from the surrounding café, lounges, gallery, and retail areas – an important social and circulation hub at the heart of the vessel. This dynamic experience is further enriched by the cantilevered glass staircase, whose edge‑lit treads sweep across the lower portion of the artwork, intensifying the sense of drama.
The award‑winning Grand Spa evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, with lighting working seamlessly alongside the interiors to personalise and enrich the thermal experience. Thoughtfully integrated into the architectural fabric, many lighting details are discreetly concealed, highlighting the spatial layering and celebrating the material qualities throughout the space.
Owner: NYK CRUISES Co. Ltd
Shipyard: Meyer Werft, Papenburg
Architects/Design Team: SMC Design
House Lighting Control: Videlio-FUNA
Photography: Courtesy of SMC Design/Teppei Kono
Please note: The Specifications of the vessel and furniture arrangements shown are current but subject to change.
