In this opportunity of 2008 National Convention of the Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan (IEIJ) being held at Shibaura Institute of Technology, Toyosu campus, a special issue was planned by Tokyo Branch of IEIJ. In this special issue, the expressions of Tokyo downtown, still with the feel of Edo Period, are introduced from the perspectives of cultures and lives of Edo, the history of Tokyo downtown, city lighting, and the histories of bridges over Sumida-river and their scenic lighting. In addition, with a focus on a fireworks show at Sumida-river, which is one of the largest summer events in Tokyo, this issue introduces the history, technologies, and scenes of the fireworks show.