Illuminating Hope: The 20th Annual Sakura Cross Hospital Thank You Illumination Ceremony

On November 20, 2025, Sakura Cross Group plans to host the 20th annual Thank You Illumination ceremony at Sakura Cross Hospital in Kumamoto. This year's theme is "The Light of a Happy Spiral," where staff members will each contribute their hopes and thoughts through handmade illuminations. The event aims to radiate a "cycle of happiness" to the local community during the festive season.

About the Sakura Cross Thank You Illumination

The Sakura Cross Thank You Illumination is held annually from mid-November to Christmas, with the objective of ensuring that patients and families enjoy a cheerful holiday experience while expressing gratitude to the community. This event features an immersive illumination display that visitors can walk through, allowing them to appreciate the warm, enchanting lights created by Sakura Cross staff. Last year, the event attracted approximately 20,000 visitors, and this year's celebration will feature around 130 unique light displays and approximately 1.5 million LED lights.

Furthermore, attendees can look forward to the "Volmination," showcasing the spirit of the Kumamoto Volters and an array of engaging activities, including a photo contest and the illumination ceremony itself. The event reflects a commitment to transcending medical boundaries and fostering connections between individuals through the illuminating theme of "light and well-being."

Event Details:

- Illumination Period: November 20, 2025 – December 25, 2025
- Illumination Hours: 18:00 – 21:00 (tentative)
- Location: Sakura Cross Hospital, 1-1-1 Mikuragi, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto, 861-4173, Japan.
- Website: Sakura Cross Illumination

Note: The event may be canceled in case of rain. Updates will be posted on the website.

Ceremony Highlights

On the day of the event, select players from the Kumamoto Volters basketball team, Kaito Ishikawa and Koki Hosaka, along with the team's mascot, will be featured guests. The countdown led by the players will culminate in a breathtaking moment when the lights illuminate the venue. This extraordinary occasion will be accompanied by cheers and applause, filling the winter night with warmth and light. Following the ceremony, there will also be a photo session with players (pre-registration required; limited to the first 30 groups). This interaction offers a unique and cherished experience for fans.

Additionally, the in-hospital café called VOLCAFE will be providing a limited-time Christmas special experience, featuring Volters cheerleader VG's exclusive coasters and drinks that patrons can only find there during the season.

Ceremony Schedule:

- 17:10: Stage Start with Special Guests (Caravan Team)
- 17:20: Countdown and Lighting Ceremony by Volters Players (Ishikawa and Hosaka)
- 17:30-18:00: Photo session with players (in front of Rotary Tree) Note: Registration now closed due to high demand.

About VOLCAFE

Opened in September 2024, VOLCAFE is a collaboration café with Kumamoto Volters, designed with a stunning interior featuring the team's logo. The popular limited-time player coasters and original drinks have made it a favorite spot for visitors within and outside the hospital.

Sakura Cross Thank You Illumination Photo Contest

Each year during the illumination season, a photo contest is held, inviting individuals to capture their beautiful memories associated with the Sakurajyuji Thank You Illumination. Winners will receive commemorative gifts, and we look forward to numerous entries. For details, please visit the account (@sj.photocon)

Last Year’s Grand Prize Winners

How to Enter:

1. Take a photo of the illumination.
2. Follow the account "Sakura Cross Photo Contest (@sj.photocon) "
3. Include the hashtag #SakuraCrossIllumiPhoto2025 in your caption.
4. Tag "Sakura Cross Photo Contest (@sj.photocon)".

About Sakura Cross Group

"WELL-BEING FRONTIER: Enriching Lives in the 100-Year Life Era" – Sakura Cross Group

Established in July 2005, the Sakura Cross Group began with Sakura Cross Hospital, the largest private hospital in Kumamoto. Expanding its services beyond hospital care into healthcare domains, including medical, nursing, and preventive healthcare, the group now offers various essential services nationwide.

Recognizing that people connect through life stories spanning from childhood to old age, we are committed to addressing the challenges of aging in the 100-year life era. This commitment entails providing not only physical healing but also holistic services that enrich emotional and social living, thereby supporting joy and fulfillment across all generations and contributing to community well-being. We aim to enhance "physical health," "emotional happiness," and "community and societal structure" as we innovate to forge a thriving future of well-being.