Kurashiki Shunsho Akari is now in its 16th year.
It has become a well-established local event, and many people look forward to it each year.
We spoke with Maoka Michinobu and Ikeda Miko, members of the organizing committee for Kurashiki Shunsho Akari, about the event’s highlights and what it means to them.
New lights you’ll want to pose with
What details did you pay special attention to?
Maoka (surname only)
Until now, the lights didn’t have a three-dimensional feel, so people rarely used them as a backdrop for photos together.
We wanted people to take photos not just of the lights, but of themselves with the lights.
Creating three-dimensional lights is one of this year’s highlights.
Three-dimensional lights will be on display, including the indigo umbrella lights at Kurashiki SOLA and the bamboo ball lights at Kurashiki Ivy Square.
We hope you’ll stand in front of the lights and take a photo with them.
Ikeda (surname only)
The shadow-puppet scenes change a little every year, and they keep evolving.
There are several new scenes, including one with a story about shooting arrows at a target and seeing how many hit.
Maoka
The movements used to be simple, but now there’s more movement and the scenes are a little longer.
There are also spring-themed scenes, such as Hanasaka Jiisan and butterflies.
We hope you enjoy it and are moved by it
What are your hopes for the event?
Maoka
We aim to introduce something new every year and give everyone a great time.
We’ve put even more effort into it this year, so there will be more new lights than usual.
There have been years when we couldn’t hold the event because of COVID-19, and we’ve scaled back the program to avoid close contact.
We wanted to hold the event as usual this year, but there are still some concerns, so we’ve made it as full as possible within the limits.
It’s an event that lets you feel the arrival of spring, and we’ve put a lot into the program because we want everyone to enjoy it after missing out during the pandemic.
We’d be happy if it became an event that makes people want to go out.
There are new lights, and we hope they’ll move you, too.
How would you like visitors to enjoy the event?
Ikeda
There’s more to see this year, so we hope you’ll come more than once, rather than just for a single day, and enjoy the lights.
Some lights will appear only on specific dates, so you can enjoy the event again and again.
▼Flyer
From the Writer
Although the return of interactive events was not possible because of COVID-19, the 16th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari features a fuller program within the limits.
I’m a big fan of Kurashiki Shunsho Akari and look forward to the event every year.
One reason I love it is that the gentle Japanese-style lights look wonderful against the serene nighttime scenery of the Bikan Historical Area, creating a soothing atmosphere.
The changes each year also make me think, “I have to go again this year!”
With new areas and lights making their debut, I have a feeling the event will become even more appealing.
Why not head out and enjoy a spring evening in Kurashiki?
16th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari Information
| Name | 16th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 18 (Sat)–March 12 (Sun), 2023 Lights on from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Location | Bikan Historical Area |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | 16th Kurashiki Shunsho Akari |
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