Have you ever seen the sight of sky lanterns floating in the night sky?
You may have seen them in movies, news, or commercials and felt a longing to experience them at least once.
An event using sky lanterns was held in Kojima, Kurashiki City. This report covers a special summer night that lasted only one night.
What is "Kojima Sky Lanterns - Towards a Shining Future"?
"Kojima Sky Lanterns - Towards a Shining Future" is an event that was held on July 13, 2025 (Sunday) at Washuzan Second Observatory and in front of Washuzan Rest House.
It was organized by the Kojima Junior Chamber of Commerce. This event was planned as a preliminary project to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2026.
A total of 150 sky lanterns were launched.
Participants enjoyed the experience of writing wishes and illustrations on the sky lanterns and releasing them into the night sky.
There were stage performances by local groups, a talk show by former Japanese handball representative Kaho Sunami, and food stalls. The day was filled with smiles, wrapped in the lively atmosphere of a summer festival.
The event on the day
The event started at 3 PM.
A total of 150 sky lanterns were prepared and distributed for free to the first 66 groups.
By the opening time of 2:30 PM, a line had already formed with people waiting for the sky lanterns.
The fans distributed at the venue depicted the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and sky lanterns floating in the sky, raising expectations for the event from the moment they were received.
There is a height difference between the parking lot and the venue, requiring movement up and down stairs.
Even so, staff members were seen running around, wiping their sweat in various places.
I quietly felt grateful in my heart, thinking, "It's because there are people supporting us like this that we can enjoy it."
Now, the event is about to begin.
Festival gourmet enjoyed while gazing at the stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea
The event venue, Washuzan Second Observatory, is a scenic spot that offers a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
It shows different expressions depending on the season and time of day, and is loved by many tourists.
First, at the entrance, the food stalls welcome you.
Around 3 PM, when the heat peaked, many people were seen buying cold ice cream and juice.
I also bought a frozen drink and took a break.
The icy cold drink seeped into my heated body, making me feel the arrival of summer.
As sunset approached, more and more people gathered at the venue, enjoying gourmet food while watching the sunset, making the atmosphere even more lively.
Let's write wishes on the sky lanterns
I received my ticket at the entrance and headed to the sky lantern pickup area.
I got a bit lost at first, but with the staff's guidance, I was able to reach it safely.
The sky lanterns used this time are LED type.
They float using helium gas without using fire.
Since they are connected by thin strings, you can take them home as they are after enjoying the launch.
In the drawing space, you can freely draw wishes and illustrations on the lanterns, and I saw people drawing characters while looking at their smartphone screens.
The pure white lanterns were larger than I expected, making them satisfying to draw on.
Once the lanterns are finished, they are handed over to the staff to be attached in the designated area. I appreciated that I could move around freely without my hands being occupied.
The main event of the day, the launch of the sky lanterns
At 7 PM, while the sky still retained some brightness, the launch of the sky lanterns began under the watchful eyes of many people.
Until sunset, we take a short break.
Some people leisurely watch the setting sun, while others return to the stalls to enjoy festival gourmet.
Everyone was waiting slowly for it to get dark in their own way.
It began to get dark around 7:30 PM. From here on, the highlight of the sky lanterns begins.
The 150 sky lanterns, floating while emitting a gentle light, blend into the gradient of the sky and sea, creating a fantastical scene.
It was impressive to see many people quietly watching, capturing that moment with their cameras or etching it in their memories.
This became a special experience that will remain firmly in both memory and record, as conveyed by the expressions of the participants.
Conclusion
“I hope this event will be an opportunity for Kojima to shine and a moment that remains in each person's heart.”
These words spoken by the executive committee chairman, Watanabe Keita, before the launch of the sky lanterns truly symbolized this event.
Health, family happiness, dreams, and world peace. The various wishes entrusted to the sky lanterns floated into the night sky as gentle lights, deeply etched in the hearts of the participants.
I sincerely hope that such heartwarming events take root in the community and that the charm of Kojima is conveyed more widely.
Kojima Sky Lanterns ~ Towards a Shining Future ~ Data
| Name | Kojima Sky Lanterns ~ Towards a Shining Future ~ |
|---|---|
| Date | 3 PM - 8 PM |
| Location | Washuzan Second Observation Deck in front of Washuzan Rest House |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Homepage | Kojima Junior Chamber International Event Announcement Instagram |
