The lanterns of the Katsushika Tomyo will light up the space along the Ara River as collective artworks after all. But this year's event has a poignant twist.
The event starting Saturday at Horikiri waterside parks in Tokyo's Katsushika Ward will have its 5,000 tomyo, or lanterns, arranged to depict other events that had been cancelled in the ward due to the novel coronavirus.
Organizers have come up with original guidelines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and hold the event that had once been abandoned.
"Canceling the event would have been easy, but if we get creative, we can show that the event can be carried out safely," said Shozo Eguchi, 57, leader of the planning committee.
The Katsushika Tomyo has been held every year between April and June since 2014, with Eguchi playing a central role. Colorful paper bags with candles held in place by sand are arranged on the riverside to produce a large artwork shining bright in the dark.
This year's event was initially planned for April 29 with the Tokyo Olympics as the theme, but was abandoned due to the spread of the coronavirus. After that, local events such as firework shows and summer festivals were canceled in succession.
Saddened by the situation, Eguchi decided to depict these events in the lantern festival.
The lanterns will be lit from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the music will be played on stage from 5:45 p.m. Admission is free.
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