[Held on Sunday, August 2] Odagawa Lantern 2026 ～ Everyone’s thoughts become light and illuminate the future

Eight years have passed as of 2026 since the July 2018 heavy rains in western Japan. Various events are held around the anniversary of the disaster.

One of them is “Odagawa Lantern 2026,” an event held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, near Kyoei Bridge over the Oda River in Yakage Town. Events where lanterns are released into the night sky are held in many places.

We spoke with lantern event organizer Tamiya Misuzu.

What is “Odagawa Lantern 2026”?

“Odagawa Lantern 2026” is an event where lanterns are released into the night sky as part of the 2026 Oda Summer Festival. It will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, near Kyoei Bridge over the Oda River in Oda, Yakage Town, Oda District, Okayama Prefecture.

For more details, see the image below.

Interview with lantern event organizer Tamiya Misuzu

We asked lantern event organizer Tamiya Misuzu about this event.

What inspired you to hold this event?

Tamiya (surname only)

I’m not from Oda.
However, after learning about the Oda River, which suffered extensive damage in the July 2018 heavy rains, I came to want to release lanterns here in memory of those who lost their lives at this location.

Lanterns have the power to carry our wishes and prayers as light into the sky.

We want to cherish both remembering what happened in the past and moving forward into the future as people living in the present. That is what inspired me to plan this event.

Also, by joining the fireworks display that the Oda Summer Festival Executive Committee has worked hard to preserve for many years, I thought we could express not only prayers but also hope for the future of the community.

What is the concept behind this event?

Tamiya

The concept is “Light that carries prayers and hope into the future.” The lanterns carry prayers for the repose of the departed, gratitude, and each person’s wishes.

Meanwhile, the fireworks launched by the Oda Summer Festival Executive Committee carry hopes for the future, prosperity for the community, and wishes for Oda to thrive. I hope the lights will come together, connect people’s feelings, and create a moment that brings hope for the future.

How would you like people to enjoy the event?

Tamiya

I hope people will enjoy it as a summer memory with their family, friends, and loved ones. Writing a wish on a lantern and watching its light slowly rise into the night sky is a special experience that’s hard to come by in everyday life.

I’d also be happy if people could feel everyone’s thoughts and wishes as they watch the magical scene of fireworks and lanterns together.

Who would you like to see attend?

Tamiya

Everyone is welcome—not only local residents, but also those who want to support Oda, share in the hope for recovery, or make summer memories.

I hope people from outside the area and the prefecture will come too and experience the warmth and charm of this community.

A message for our readers

Tamiya

Thankfully, people from all over Japan have bought lanterns, saying, “I can’t make it on the day, but I want to show my support,” and “I want the local children to release lanterns.” The lanterns carrying their thoughts will be sent into the night sky by local children and event participants.

On August 2, together with the fireworks presented by the Oda Summer Festival Executive Committee, I hope to light up the night sky over the Oda River with many lanterns. I’d be delighted if you would join us in looking up at the light of prayer and hope.

From the Writer

I used to think that lantern events only had meaning if you went and took part in person. However, even if you can’t attend on the day, local children will release the lanterns on your behalf.

Of course, taking part in person is meaningful too. If you’re interested, please consider joining us.

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