Odagawa Lantern 2026 - Everyone's thoughts become light and illuminate the future (held on August 2nd)

Eight years have passed since the heavy rain in July 2018 (Western Japan Flood) until 2026. Various events will be held around the days before and after the disaster.

One of them is the "Odagawa Lantern 2026" event, which will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, near the Odagawa Kyoei Bridge in Yakage Town. Events releasing lanterns into the night sky are being held in various places.

I spoke with the lantern organizer, Tamiyama Misuzu.

What is "Odagawa Lantern 2026"

"Odagawa Lantern 2026" is an event to release lanterns into the night sky as part of the 2026 Oda Summer Festival. The event will take place on Sunday, August 2, 2026, near the Odagawa Kyoei Bridge in Oda, Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture.

Please check the following image for more details.

Interview with lantern organizer Tamiyama Misuzu

I asked lantern organizer Tamiyama Misuzu about this event.

What inspired you to hold this event?

Tamiyama (no honorifics)

I am not from Oda.
However, I learned about the significant damage caused by the heavy rain disaster in July 2018 and wanted to release lanterns in memory of those who lost their lives in this place.

Each lantern has the power to carry wishes and prayers to the sky on the light.

I wanted to plan this event to cherish both the importance of not forgetting past events and the need for us living in the present to walk towards the future.

Additionally, by collaborating with the fireworks festival that the Oda Summer Festival Executive Committee has been preserving for many years, I thought we could express not only our prayers but also hope for the future of the community.

What is the concept of this event?

Tamiyama

The concept is "Light that connects prayers and hopes to the future". The lanterns are filled with prayers for remembrance, gratitude, and each person's wishes.

On the other hand, the fireworks launched by the Oda Summer Festival Executive Committee carry wishes for hope for the future, prosperity of the community, and the vitality of Oda. I hope that the lights will come together, connect the thoughts of people, and create a time to deliver hope to the future.

How would you like people to enjoy it?

Tamiyama

I would like families, friends, and loved ones to enjoy it as a summer memory together. Writing wishes on the lanterns and watching the light slowly rise into the night sky is a special experience that is hard to come by.

Also, I would be happy if people could feel their thoughts and wishes while watching the fantastic scenery of the fireworks and lanterns together.

What kind of people would you like to attend?

Tamiyama

Of course, local residents are welcome, as well as anyone who wants to support Oda, share thoughts on reconstruction, or create summer memories. Everyone is welcome.

I hope that people from outside the region and from other prefectures will come and feel the warmth and charm of this area.

Please say a word to the readers

Tamiyama

Fortunately, there are people from all over the country who say, "I can't go on the day, but I want to support you" and "I want the local children to release lanterns," and they purchase lanterns. The lanterns carrying those thoughts will be sent into the night sky by the local children and participants.

On August 2, I hope to light up the night sky of the Odagawa with many lights along with the fireworks from the Oda Summer Festival Executive Committee. I would be happy if you could look up at the light of prayers and hopes together.

Conclusion

I thought that the lantern event would only be meaningful if you went there and participated. However, even if you cannot participate on the day, local children will release the lanterns on your behalf.

Of course, participating on-site also has its significance. If you are interested, please consider joining us.

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