Last year, Starry Night Company (SNC) brought the Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival to Osaka. This year, they are set to host it in Tokyo and Osaka simultaneously on July 6 and 7. A total of 20,000 individual lanterns will be released over the two-day period in an even bigger and better festival than before.
Most lantern events held around the world use lanterns lit with fire, but for this event LED sky lanterns will be used to ensure safety. All lanterns are also fitted with a cord. One of Japan’s major lantern festivals, the event is made possible by SNC who developed the world’s first LED sky lantern.
Japanese actors Sho Aoyagi and Tsubasa Sakiyama will feature as guest speakers at the events.
Sky lanterns offer an entirely different kind of experience from other Japanese cultural traditions, such as summer fireworks. Those in Japan this summer won’t regret taking their special someone to this sky lantern festival.
Information
Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival
Running: July 6, 2019 – July 7, 2019
Locations: [Tokyo] Tokyo German Village @ 9:30-21:00 / [Kobe] Venue TBA @ 15:00-21:00
Estimated No. of People: 20,000 on both days (5,000 per day at each location)来場予定数：2日間 約20,000名（各会場1日あたり5,000名）
Ticket Price: General ¥6,250 (Includes Entry + 1 Sky Lantern) / Children (6-12 Years) ¥2,250 (Includes Entry + 1 Sky Lantern) / Children (0-5 Years) Free (Entry Only)
Ticket Enquiries: 06-4301-3004
Event Page (Japanese): https://www.snc-jp.com/2019
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
-
The Sky Lantern Festival will be held at Mitsui Outlet Park in Ryuo, Shiga Prefecture on May 3rd and 4th this year.
Sky lanterns are a familiar sight across Europe and Asia at events and festivals. People pour their thoughts and wishes into them before sending them into the sky. They originate from Thailand and China where they were used as a means of communication and to pray for sound health. The number of occasions where sky lanterns are being used is on the rise where they are currently used at festivals, as offerings, and at events to illuminate the night sky. They are gaining much attention in Japan especially with young girls who attend sky lanterns events in Thailand and Taiwan and post pictures on Instagram and other social media sites.
Sky Lantern Festival in Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo will be held across two days where around 3,000 lanterns will be sent into the sky. This is the first time a sky lantern festival will be held at Outlet Park. Not only can you watch the lights but also enjoy a spot of shopping or a meal around. If you purchase your own lantern, you can receive a shopping voucher or food coupon that can be used at Mitsui Outlet Park in Ryuo. But you can of course enjoy your time at the event without buying a lantern.
At most lantern events around the world you light lanterns with fire, but this event will used LED sky lanterns instead for safety, meaning children can join in without worry.
Participants can write their wishes in the lanterns and release them together with everyone at the end of the countdown. Check out the Sky Lantern Festival during Golden Week.
■Information
Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo
Address: 1178-694 Aza Sunayama, Oaza Kuzushi, Ryuo-cho, Gamo-gun, Shiga Prefecture
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
No Fixed Holidays.
Website: https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/mop/shiga/
Sky Lantern Festival in Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo
Running: May 3, 2018 ― May 4, 2018
Reception Time: From 16:00
Lantern Collection: 18:00-18:45
Lantern Release: 19:00 (*To all be released at once)
Location: South Mall 1F
Price: Advance Booking ¥2,500 / Same-Day ¥3,000
*Price for one lantern.
*Comes with a ¥800 shopping voucher and food coupon that can be used at Mitsui Outlet Park Shiba Ryuo
(Event-only ¥300 food coupon + Mitsui Outlet Park ¥500 shopping voucher. Can be used on purchases over ¥5,000.)
Tickets: Available via e-ticket, Ticket Pia, and Rakuten Ticket.
-
Lantern events take place in Japan throughout the whole year. The country sees many types of lanterns decorating the atmosphere from sky lanterns that float up into the night sky to towering lantern monuments, colourful lanterns that hang like paper lanterns and more. Many of these events take place in February and March and bustle with locals and people visiting from all over the country. Since last year, Hankyu Travel International has listed the lantern festivals taking place across Japan. Here are some of the major events taking place this year. There are many to look forward to each with a different origin and meaning whether it be for religious reasons or for festive fun. Hokkaido Event17th Takikawa Kamibukuro Paper Lantern Festival Date: February 23, 2019 Location: Area from Takikawa Station to Bell Road Address: 2 Chome-8-9 Sakaemachi, Takikawa, Hokkaido The Takikawa Kamibukuro Lantern Festival sees paper lanterns handcrafted by the local residents of Takikawa. Each design is entirely different from the next, so simply looking at them is enough to warm your heart. Iwate Prefecture Event
Hanamaki Hoshi Meguro no Yoru Running: February 3, 2019 / February 11, 2019 / February 14, 2019 Location: Namari Ski Cente Address: Nakadaira-36-1 Namari, Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture This wintertime event is exclusive to guests staying with Hanamaki Onsen. Tokyo & Osaka EventTanabata Sky Lantern Festival Running: July 6, 2019 - July 7, 2019 Location: Tokyo and Osaka Address: TBA 10,000 lanterns will be launched into the night in Tokyo and Osaka in this two-day event, creating a starry sky. Niigata Prefecture Events Tsunan Yuki Matsuri Sky Lantern Date: March 9, 2019 (Pre-event to take place on March 8 too) Location: New Green Pia Tsunan Address: 12300 Akinari, Tsunan-machi, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture The town of Tsunan in Niigata has held this sky lantern festival since 2012 to offer prayers towards the reconstruction work after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. 1,000 lanterns will rise into the sky during the March 8 pre-festival and 2,000 the following day for the main event. Niigata Tsunan Sky Lantern Festival Running: March 17, 2019 / March 21, 2019 / March 22, 2019 Location: New Green Pia Tsunan Address: 12300 Akinari, Tsunan-machi, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture Hankyu Travel International has a range of events planned for this festival including sky lanterns, fireworks, food and more. Nagasaki Prefecture Event Nagasaki Lantern Festival Running: February 5, 2019 - February 19, 2019 Locations: Nagasaki Chinatown, Central Park and elsewhere Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture Every year the Nagasaki Lantern Festival sees over 1 million people in attendance. The event grown and expanded from a celebration of Chinese New Year from the people of Nagasaki Chinatown. Okinawa Prefecture Event Ryukyu Lantern Festival 2018-2019 Running: December 1, 2018 - March 3, 2019 Address: Murasaki Mura Ryukyu Kingdom Theme Park Address: 1020-1 Takashiho, Yomitan-son, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture The Ryukyu Lantern Festival has been taking place since December last year at Murasaki Mura, a theme park that reproduces the city of Naha when Okinawa was known as the Ryukyu Kingdom in the 14th and 15th centuries. The event has a magical atmosphere with its Chinese lanterns, Japanese paper lanterns and more. Be sure to use this list as reference if any of these events take your fancy and make some wonderful memories. Information
Hankyu Travel International Official Website: https://www.hankyu-travel.com/?p_baitai=9599
Hankyu Travel International – Japan Travel & Tour Information: https://www.hankyu-travel.com/kokunai/?p_baitai=9599
-
Experience the charm of summer in Hakone with the magical sight of paper lanterns illuminating the evening sky…
From 1st June to 31st August 2016, visit “Hoshino Resort KAI Hakone” which is located in Yumoto, Kanagawa prefecture to witness a sensational historical event where the evening will be lit with lanterns to colour the cool atmosphere.
As a small inn town from the Edo period, Hakone is a flourishing and bustling location, which makes it the perfect little gem for Tokaido tourists!
The collapsible cylindrical paper lantern, characterised by its compatibility and shape, was once a widely used necessity in Japan until the introduction of electric torches during the Taisho era. Nowadays, there are only 2 shops that continue to create these lanterns, making them a very rare craft.
Odawara’s lantern festival is held every summer but this year at “KAI Hakone”, this will be 3rd time that a Lantern light-up event will be held.
Yamazaki Isamu is one of the very few workmen who strives to keep the tradition of the lanterns. Yamazaki Isamu took the lead to created an original lantern which will add a magical touch to the summer resort and paint warm colours in the cool sky of Hakone.
Please come to enjoy the warm illumination of the evening!
■Information
■Period：1st June ～ 31st August 2016
■Time：18：00～22：00
■Official site：http://kai-hakone.jp/miryoku/2016summer.html
* In the case of bad weather, this event may be cancelled on certain days.
ーーー
RELATED ENTRIES
-
Illustrator BEY’s solo exhibition ‘NEW WAMERICAN’ will be held at TRUNK (HOTEL) in Shibuya starting November 1. BEY is known for his illustrations inspired by the ‘Wamerican’ theme, a blend of Japanese culture, including ukiyo-e, and American pop culture. Currently, he is attracting attention as an up-and-coming creator who also works on CD jackets for artists and window art for apparel brands. Canvas works newly painted for the exhibition will be exhibited and sold, and new merchandise such as teacups and Palo Santo with limited edition packaging will be available. [Comment from BEY] “I hope to approach this exhibition as the first of its kind to showcase the new expressions of ‘WAMERICAN,’ a style which has continued to evolve over the past seven years, with a focus on original paintings on canvas. I hope tons of people will come to visit!”
Information
BEY SOLO EXHIBITION ‘NEW WAMERICAN’
Dates: November 1 ~ November 4, 2024
Hours: 10:00~20:00
Venue: TRUNK (HOTEL) CATSTREET
5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo[Reception Party]
Date: November 1, 2024
Hours: 19:00~24:00
Admission: Free
DJs: Yuuna Yabe / 50minimals[GOODS]
・L/S TEE
・Hat
・Hand Towel
・Hanafuda Playing Cards
・Teacup Mug
・Original Palo Santo
・StickersBEY’s Instagram：@beytaro_0912
-
Licaxxx Announces Tokyo Community Radio’s Second Event Series ‘communities’ to be Held in Tokyo and Osaka
Tokyo Community Radio (TCR), an online radio platform run by Licaxxx, has announced a new event titled communities. The event will be held at Daikanyama UNIT / Saloon in Tokyo on June 30 and at Osaka JOULE on July 1. The guest lineup includes re:ni and Laksa, two hot up-and-coming DJs and producers reshaping the UK music scene. The duo has a monthly program on NTS Radio titled re;lax, along with a party series of the same name. In February 2023, they released a new EP, Body Score, on their new label founded to explore music with faster tempos and to carry the torch of UK techno, jungle, dubstep, and grime. Each DJ is also active individually and the two have constantly been in the spotlight. Music fans are invited to partake in this stunning musical event led by Licaxxx and targeted at the current generation of music makers as they extend beyond Asia and take their activities around the world.
re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)Licaxxx Information
■Tokyo
Tokyo Community Radio presents ‘communities’ with re;lax
Date: June 20, 2023
Time: 22:00
Venue: Daikanyama UNIT / SALOON
Admission: ¥2,000 (Early Discount) / ¥3,000 (ADV) / ¥3,500 (At the door)
Buy Tickets: https://tokyocommunityradio.zaiko.io/item/356159LINEUP:
Licaxxx
Temple Ov Subsonic Youth (a.k.a Mars89) – Live
Romy Matsand more..
[Starring]
Special Guest:
re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)Lineup:
LicaxxxTemple Ov Subsonic Youth (a.k.a Mars89) – Live
Romy Matsand more!
■Osaka
Tokyo Community Radio presents ‘communities’ with re;lax in OSAKA
Date: July 1, 2023
Time: 22:00
Venue: Osaka JOULE
Admission: ¥2,000 (Early Discount) / ¥3,000 (ADV) / ¥3,500 (At the door)
Buy Tickets: https://peatix.com/event/3590421/view[Starring]
SPECIAL GUEST:
re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)LINEUP:
Licaxxx
kotsu(CYK)
Romy Matsand more..
■Attention
Guests under the age of 20 will not be allowed entry.
All guests will be subject to an ID check prior to entry. Please bring a photo ID showing date of birth. (Photocopies will not be accepted.)
If we are unable to confirm your identity, you may be denied admission.<About Tokyo Community Radio>
TCR is a distribution platform based in Tokyo that focuses on introducing both local DJs and up-and-coming DJs from around Japan. The program features all musical genres and showcases both DJ mixes and live performances. In featured podcasts, DJs talk about their music, hobbies, and interests, allowing fans the rare chance to learn more about their favorite creators. The station also cooperates with community radio stations in other Asian cities and supports DJs and artists from Asia and beyond when they visit Japan. In addition to regular DJ sessions and podcasts, TCR also collaborates with corporate events, produces music events, and matches DJs to places and brands -
FRUITS ZIPPER Holds First Anniversary Concert, Announce Appearance at the ‘Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival’ in June
On May 4, the 7-member idol group FRUITS ZIPPER held the first Tokyo performance of their first-anniversary concert tour at Toyosu PIT.
Tickets for both the Tokyo and Osaka shows sold out immediately after they went on sale. To celebrate the first anniversary of the group's debut, the lucky fans who were able to snag tickets came together at Toyosu PIT.
In the year since their debut, FRUITS ZIPPER has skyrocketed in popularity, performing live at several idol festivals and some of Japan's largest fashion events, and successfully touring Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Their show at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA garnered incredible attention.
For the first anniversary concert, the stage was transformed by a special set and the member appeared in new never-before-seen costumes. They performed a total of 17 songs, and each member expressed their gratitude to their fans during the MC segments.
During the performance, it was announced that the group would perform at the Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival on June 26. The venue, which has seen countless performances over its long history, will be demolished and replaced to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Fans are excited to see their favorite artists perform on this legendary stage, and many are curious to see how it will be transformed in the future.
FRUITS ZIPPER has also released the song Cho Medetai Song ~Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana? ~ (The Super Joyful Song ~Is It Okay to Be This Happy?~) on all major streaming services. The track was co-written by Sho Yamamoto, who wrote the group’s hit song Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, currently with over 700 million views on TikTok, and Gento Miyano, who has written songs for numerous popular artists. The super-happy pop tune has a sound reminiscent of idol tracks from the 2000s and has been a smash hit at live shows, stirring the fans into a frenzy.
Information
<Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival Performance Information>
Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival
Date: June 26, 2023
Venue: Nakano Sunplaza (Tokyo)Ticket information and additional information will be posted on the official FRUITS ZIPPER Twitter page（@FRUITS_ZIPPER）as it becomes available.
<Release Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER New Single
Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~
Streaming Date: May 4, 2023
Streaming URL: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/CSKSI
Available on all major music streaming and download sites1. Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~
2. Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~ -Instrumental-<FRUITS ZIPPER Tour Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER Japan Tour 2023 AUTUMN
9/3 – Zepp Namba (Osaka)
9/5 – Zepp Nagoya (Aichi)
9/8 – Zepp Fukuoka (Fukuoka)
9/10 – BLUE LIVE HIROSHIMA (Hiroshima)
9/13 – PENNY LANE24 (Hokkaido)
9/16 – KT Zepp Yokohama (Kanagawa) -
ZEROTOKYO, an entertainment mecca known for heating up Tokyo nights, is teaming up with ASOBISYSTEM to create an exciting new party! ASOBIZA, named after the origin of Kabukicho, will be held on April 28. The lineup includes music artists as well as charismatic figures at the top of their fields in fashion, beauty, and art. Transcending musical genres and generations, this night will embody ZEROTOKYO's concept of being a true “Entertainment Junction.” Additional performers may be announced in the future.
Information
ASOBIZA
Date: April 28, 2023
Venue: ASOBIZA (Tokyo)
Time: 21:00
Admission: ¥3,000 (Presale) / ¥3,500 (Day-of)Buy Tickets
https://zerotokyo.zaiko.io/e/ASOBIZA-230428Event Details
https://asobisystem.com/schedule/43726/ -
The new Tokyo Diary Map series aims to introduce readers to awesome spots in Tokyo that they might want to visit! Each entry features locations recommended by a single artist or talent, and fans will get to not only discover new places to visit in Japan’s capital, but also get to learn more about the thoughts and feelings of these unique individuals.
The first participant in the Tokyo Diary Map series is Atsushi Ogata, a multi-talented TV personality and actor. Last year, he appeared as a beauty-concious man on Nippon TV’s DANCING SANMA PALACE, spurring a major buzz by revealing his cosmetic routine. He’s also a notable actor, having appeared in the papercraft theater company's 7th performance Sekai ga Asa wo Shiroutomo (Though the World May Know Morning), telling the story of a man and a woman, a couple of friends, and a certain woman “until morning.”
-Tell us about your favorite spot in Tokyo!
“Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA. I feel like I can really relax there. I love being surrounded by my favorite fashion magazines, and no matter what magazine you pick up, they’re all so exciting and educational. That's what I like about bookstores–you can pick up something you're not usually interested in and learn something new. It’s the best.”
Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA 16-15 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo https://store.tsite.jp/daikanyama/
- How do you like to spend your time at Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA?
“I pick up a new book, find a seat, and take my time reading. I like people-watching and checking out people’s fashion too. Also, there’s a nice café called ivy place nearby, where I can read while having a relaxing cup of coffee.”
Ivy Place
東京都渋谷区猿楽町16-15
https://www.tysons.jp/ivyplace/
-You studied fashion design in the United States. How did that experience influence you? How do you want to make use of that experience going forward?
“Learning about fashion at art school was very inspiring. It was also very interesting to see how people with different ethnic backgrounds dress and to see their individual personalities. For example, I saw high school students wearing backpacks instead of using school bags. I just loved seeing people’s unique fashion. It made me realize something that I still believe in to this day–that there’s nothing more beautiful than wearing what you like in your own way. I’d actually like to create my own clothing brand in the future, so I hope to put my high school fashion design studies to good use.”
-Which apparel stores do you frequent?
I always peek into Dover Street Ginza!
Dover Street Ginza Ginza Komatsu West Building (6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) https://ginza.doverstreetmarket.com
-What fashion styles are you interested in lately?
“I like a lot of different genres, but lately I've been into chic styling, like pairing shirts and sweaters. I dream of dressing like Thom Browne. I want to try to buy at least one piece from his collection.
-You post a lot of illustrations on your Instagram. Do you usually like to draw? When do you lke to create?
“I bought an iPad to draw because I really wanted something to do something new during COVID. For me, when I plan time to draw something, it never goes well, so I tend to just draw when inspiration suddenly strikes. I have no particular style, I just draw whatever I want!”
-What inspires you as someone so expressive? What has piqued your interest lately?
“I get inspiration from a wide range of different people. It could be people walking on the street, people on the train…lately, I’ve been meeting the most inspiring and wonderful people. Listening to their stories is what inspires me the most. Fashion inspires me, humanity inspires me, people’s auras inspire me.”
-Finally, please give a message to those who are planning on coming to Japan!
“Japan is just wonderful. It’s the best. The food, the people, the scenery, all of it is incredible. Once you visit, you’ll definitely want to come back. Please come and enjoy!” (Laugh)
Information
Ryo Ogata
In 2021, Ogata began his career as an actor and model.
His upbringing exposed him to dance, English, and art from an early age, helping to craft his current appeal.公式Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/ryokun_39
公式TikTok：https://www.tiktok.com/@ryoogata -
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition “Tokyo Girlfriend” Coming to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, New Works to be Exhibited for the First Time
From March 14 until April 23, 2023, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya will hold Hisashi Eguchi’s Tokyo Girlfriend illustration exhibition, set to show off the artist’s unique perspectives on people and cityscapes. The exhibition will feature new illustrations of the titular girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya drawn especially for this exhibition, as well as various other girlfriends both large and small.
GING NANG BOYZ Kimi to Boku no Dai 3ji Taisen-teki Renai Kakumei CD Jacket (2005)
A LONG VACATION - Eiichi Ohtaki 40th Tribute Illustration (2021) ©2023 Eguchi Hisashi
Hisashi Eguchi, a manga artist and illustrator, continues to convey the charm of the city and its people by vividly depicting Tokyo and the many unique happenings within. As Tokyo Midtown Hibiya celebrates its 5th anniversary along with many other nearby businesses, the Tokyo Girlfriend exhibition of illustrations by Hisashi Eguchi is being held to celebrate.
The exhibition will feature a new painting of the mysterious girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya, newly created for the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya exhibition. A number of original pieces using Pantone overlay, Eguchi's favorite painting medium in the 80s and 90s, will also be on display for the first time.
During the exhibition period, guests can enjoy autograph sessions, live sketches in which Eguchi himself will draw a portrait of selected subject on the spot, and workshops where he will teach tips on how to be a better illustrator.
Don’t miss your chance to meet one of the greatest illustrators of the modern era!
©2023 Eguchi HisashiInformation
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition ‘Tokyo Girlfriend’
Running: March 14 – April 23, 2023
Venue: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
https://www.hibiya.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/