#Japan #Tokyo #Edo Period #Aoyama Lantern #Yukioe Art

Reviving Aoyama’s Historical Charm: The Aoyama Star Lantern Festival

The Aoyama Star Lantern Festival, a cherished event that has been revitalized, will take place from September 13 to 15, 2025, at the Nono Aoyama complex in Northern Aoyama. This year marks the 9th iteration of the festival, organized by the Aoyama Star Lantern Committee and the Nono Aoyama Community Development Corporation. This lively festival aims to breathe new life into a significant historical event that has roots extending back to the Edo to early Meiji periods.

A Glimpse into History

Originally celebrated in the Edo period, the Star Lantern Festival was connected to the Obon festival, a time when Japanese families honor their ancestors. During the old lunar month of July, families would illuminate the streets with lanterns attached to tall bamboo poles, creating a stunning visual likened to stars in the night sky. This picturesque scene was so iconic it even graced ukiyo-e prints by the renowned artist Utagawa Hiroshige II. The modern festival aims to revive this tradition, encouraging people to reflect on the memories and values associated with the Aoyama area.

A Commitment to Cultural Heritage

One major player in reviving the Aoyama Star Lantern Festival is the historic Sanyodo Bookstore, a locally cherished establishment with a 134-year legacy. This year, 4th-generation owner Hideko Toyama has taken the initiative to resurrect the ukiyo-e prints related to the festival, working with Takahashi Kobo, an Edo woodblock printing studio, to recreate the vibrant designs from historical documents. Now, the restored artworks will be featured in event brochures and posters, showcasing the rich history of Aoyama.

Community Engagement and Expansion

The festival, which started in 2017 with seven lanterns, has blossomed into a vibrant cultural phenomenon. This year, around 40 lanterns sponsored by local businesses and organizations will light up Aoyama. Participating sites include Kiraboshi Bank, World Aoyama Building, and 3rd Minami Aoyama, each contributing to a unified display celebrating the region’s community spirit and shared heritage.

Vibrant Cultural Events

The festival will also feature an array of exciting cultural activities, making it a family-friendly event.

Noteworthy Events:

• - Shadow Play Evening (9/13): A captivating shadow play by artist Kohei Kawamura, depicting a magical journey featuring a forest wizard, will enchant audiences of all ages.
• - Tea Gathering under the Stars (9/14): Experience a unique tea ceremony held at a special tea room, hosted by Yukari Wataru, daughter of Wataru Art Museum's CEO, combining modern art and traditional tea culture.
• - Evening of Noh Theatre on the Grass (9/15): Enjoy a casual Noh performance, aimed at introducing newcomers to the art. The event will include interactive lectures on Noh performance.
• - Lantern Painting Workshop (9/13-9/15): Festival visitors can participate in painting lanterns that will illuminate the festival grounds at night, embodying their personal wishes and memories.
• - Cultural Booths and Puffed Rice Demonstrations (9/13-9/15): The festival will also host stalls featuring local crafts and, on September 13, demonstrations of a traditional confectionery, specializing in puffed rice.

Additional Activities:

• - Shadow Puppet Making (9/13): Attendees can create personalized shadow puppets ahead of the shadow play performance.
• - Special Talk Session (9/14): Discussions about Aoyama’s past and future, featuring notable local figures including Yukari Wataru and Hiroshi Aoki, among others.
• - Exhibition on Historical Maps (8/26-9/15): An exhibition showcasing the historical context of the Aoyama Star Lantern will run concurrently with the festival.

Festival Details

• - Event Name: Aoyama Star Lantern Festival
• - Dates: September 13 (Saturday) – September 15 (Monday, public holiday), 2025
• - Lighting Times: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• - Main Venue: Nono Aoyama, 3-4-3 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Organizers: Aoyama Star Lantern Committee / Nono Aoyama Community Development Corporation
• - Subsidized by: Arts Council Tokyo【Grant for Arts and Culture】

Explore the beauty of tradition reimagined through the Aoyama Star Lantern Festival this September, where history meets community and art. Join in celebrating and lighting up the Aoyama district with memories and hopes for the future.

For more details, visit the official website: Aoyama Star Lantern Festival or check out the event reservation page on Peatix: Event Reservation. Engage with us on Instagram: Follow Us!