Have you ever seen sky lanterns floating in the night sky?
You may have seen them in movies, news reports, or commercials and dreamed of experiencing them for yourself someday.
An event featuring sky lanterns was held in Kojima, Kurashiki City. Here’s a report on a special summer night that lasted just one evening.
The information presented here was accurate when this article was published in July 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Kojima Sky Lanterns: Toward a Bright Future”?
“Kojima Sky Lanterns: Toward a Bright Future” was an event held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Washuzan Second Observatory and in front of Washuzan Rest House.
It was organized by the Kojima Junior Chamber International. The event was planned as a pre-anniversary project ahead of the organization’s 70th anniversary in 2026.
A total of 150 sky lanterns were launched.
Participants enjoyed writing wishes and drawing pictures on the lanterns before releasing them into the night sky.
The day also featured performances by local groups, a talk show with former Japan national handball team player Sunami Kaho, and food stalls. Surrounded by the lively atmosphere of a summer festival, it was a day filled with smiles.
The day of the event
The event began at 3 p.m.
There were 150 sky lanterns available, distributed free to the first 66 groups.
By the gates opening at 2:30 p.m., a line had already formed with people hoping to get a sky lantern.
The fans handed out at the venue featured the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and sky lanterns floating in the sky, building anticipation for the event from the moment we received them.
There is a difference in elevation between the parking lot and the venue, so getting there involves going up and down stairs.
Even so, staff could be seen everywhere, running around and wiping away their sweat.
“We can enjoy ourselves because there are people supporting us like this,” I thought, quietly feeling grateful.
Now, the event is finally about to begin.
Festival food with a view of the spectacular Seto Inland Sea
Washuzan Second Observatory, the event venue, is a scenic spot offering panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
Its scenery changes with the seasons and time of day, and it is a favorite among many tourists.
At the entrance, food stalls welcome visitors.
Around 3 p.m., when the heat was at its peak, many people could be seen buying cold ice cream and drinks.
I bought a frozen drink too and took a break.
The ice-cold drink refreshed my overheated body and made me feel that summer had arrived.
As sunset approached, even more people gathered at the venue, which grew livelier as they enjoyed food while watching the sunset.
Write a wish on a sky lantern
I picked up a ticket at the venue entrance and headed to the sky lantern collection point.
I got a little lost, but with directions from the staff, I made it there safely.
The sky lanterns used this time were LED-powered.
They float using helium gas, without the use of fire.
Since they are attached by a thin string, you can take them home after enjoying the launch.
At the drawing area, people could freely write wishes and draw pictures on their lanterns. Some could be seen looking at their smartphone screens as they drew characters.
The pure white lantern was bigger than I expected and offered plenty of room to draw.
After finishing, I handed my lantern to a staff member, who attached it at the designated spot. I appreciated how thoughtfully everything was arranged so we could move around freely without having to carry it.
The main event: launching the sky lanterns
At 7 p.m., while the sky was still bright, the launch of the sky lanterns began as a large crowd watched.
We took a short break until sunset.
Some people relaxed as they watched the setting sun, while others returned to the food stalls to enjoy festival treats.
Everyone spent the time as they pleased, waiting for darkness to fall.
It began to get dark around 7:30 p.m. This is when the sky lanterns take center stage.
The 150 sky lanterns, floating with a gentle glow, blended into the gradient of the sky and sea, creating a fantastical scene.
It was striking to see so many people quietly watching, capturing the moment on camera or etching it into their memories.
The expressions on the participants’ faces showed that it had become a special experience that would remain firmly in both their memories and their records.
From the Writer
“I hope this event will be an opportunity for Kojima to shine and a memorable moment for each and every person.”
These words, spoken before the sky lantern launch by event committee chair Watanabe Keita, perfectly captured the spirit of the event.
Health, family happiness, dreams, and world peace. The many wishes entrusted to the sky lanterns floated into the night sky as gentle lights, and surely left a deep impression on the participants as well.
We sincerely hope that heartwarming events like this will take root in the community and that the appeal of Kojima will reach an even wider audience.
Kojima Sky Lanterns: Toward a Bright Future — Event Information
| Name | Kojima Sky Lanterns: Toward a Bright Future |
|---|---|
| Date | 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. |
| Location | In front of Washuzan Rest House, Washuzan Second Observatory |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Kojima Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry event announcement Instagram |
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