{"id":72508,"date":"2026-04-02T09:36:34","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T00:36:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/?p=72508"},"modified":"2026-04-02T11:59:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T02:59:33","slug":"%e3%80%8c%e9%a1%98%e3%81%84%e3%81%ae%e7%81%af%e3%81%8c%e3%80%81%e5%ae%99%e3%82%92%e8%88%9e%e3%81%a3%e3%81%9f%e5%a4%9c%e3%80%8d%e7%ac%ac4%e5%9b%9e%e3%82%b9%e3%82%ab%e3%82%a4%e3%83%a9%e3%83%b3%e3%82%bf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/72508\/","title":{"rendered":"&quot;The Night When Wishes Floated Through the Sky&quot; - The 4th Sky Lantern Festival 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Tuesday, March 31, 2026<\/p>\n<div class=\"ep-box es-BpaperRight es-grid bgc-VPsky\">On Saturday, March 28th, the 4th Sky Lantern Festival was held at the Hokuryu Town Rural Environment Improvement Center. Over 100 participants, including children and their families from Yawara Nursery School, Shinryu Elementary School, and Hokuryu Junior High School, gathered to share a magical and moving moment as lantern balloons, each carrying a wish, floated gently up to the ceiling of the gymnasium.<\/div>\n<h2>Light dances, carrying wishes. The 4th Sky Lantern Festival | Hokuryu Town<\/h2>\n<p>On Saturday, March 28th, the 4th Sky Lantern Festival was held at the Hokuryu Town Rural Environment Improvement Center. The event was organized by Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen, and planned by community support staff and the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team. The Hokuryu Town Board of Education, Yawara Nursery School, Shinryu Elementary School, Hokuryu Junior High School, and Hokuryu Taiko (drumming group) cooperated, making it a night filled with smiles and excitement for children throughout the community.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipP5QqfEw97VrYDp6UP9_xMzG5JID4mLe8bqpf4?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczOXmqUWaYIz8MOog4zbDe2nkAs1kbhfUgIkbMdtVHYRL8t0EEf7aIqBn7zWin6Q_TrYzr1VgzHehZDMeNnSkogAxERhFUh-bp6Wd06eS6ecFYLmsDnsNhMtPWTGbS-XZLQICNOdzsVjAYj5maxW2XKB=w1168-h1600-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"1168\" height=\"1600\" alt=\"The 4th Sky Lantern Festival 2026\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The 4th Sky Lantern Festival 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Event Overview<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Date and Time:<\/strong>Saturday, March 28, 2026 16:00-19:00<\/li>\n<li><strong>venue:<\/strong>Hokuryu Town Rural Environment Improvement Center Gymnasium<\/li>\n<li><strong>Organizer:<\/strong>Sunflower Park Hokuryu Onsen<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planning and Management:<\/strong>Community support staff: Nobuyuki Murakami; Regional revitalization cooperation team members: Aki Shiraishi, Yuto Sakai, Masayuki Takatsuki, Tsubasa Niida<\/li>\n<li><strong>cooperation:<\/strong>Hokuryu Town Board of Education, Yawara Nursery School, Shinryu Elementary School, Hokuryu Junior High School, Hokuryu Taiko Drums<\/li>\n<li><strong>Participants:<\/strong>Over 100 people including children and students from nurseries, elementary schools, and junior high schools, their families, and related parties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipM3ug6lGXTFL7YXbQlVc47z3z46KDhGNg7AY2s?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczP5h38ppOGafXpnDd4Ieic-9zkM3S96CklsPLcLbKLYsJ8VW8u-_rmh6JX2y6jn_lHAva320DuEMll74PcA3fvQGUayzP6tnmDi2__-WvRcGJKJfZuz7p2kp65yXOIyTx3YlVJPg30wDwbDrtUCM01t=w2000-h1500-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"Reception staff (from left): Aki Shiraishi (Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team member), Nobuyuki Murakami (Community Support Staff member), and Yuto Sakai (Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team member)\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Reception staff (from left): Aki Shiraishi (Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team member), Nobuyuki Murakami (Community Support Staff member), and Yuto Sakai (Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team member)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Let&#039;s put everyone&#039;s wishes into the lanterns.<\/h2>\n<p>Before the event began, about 75 participants gathered in the community space within the improvement center. Each person drew their own wishes or pictures on lantern balloons. Everyone&#039;s wishes were drawn on the balloons.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipPENCoA_oZhNwkAJGirPBaqDD-1yoeQzG_llGw?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczNO7qPEUEhSM8C4pLtyvBNZGSnLKwNLi97o6KhmhAYXu4D_o29SowrOjhN__7YCErq5jqg6sO5sTI2ddoFUe2DejRfvxcumf11G87kmdogdzRdnH1q6TaKxpYSfOQEiHgyDs3kcxvrRtD2jGPYSR-31=w2000-h1500-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"Write your wishes on a balloon!\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Write your wishes on a balloon!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipM5FRavGZXDl3xorc-SgQSdkS5WO-_4QbDxyPY?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczPxC--pCRBnvzX05hf33vf-5SVllFIdJUtItxMmvgc-TKz9S7nh_1qSfWzBJ58ZPo6fC4_Nj_M7kz6utbzYAe7yMk9_bzmw3nsoh8cJ1IjcKzSyqI_EeaT3yrukosmdGbNMQfFvFKzA74vl6j4aNKqy=w2000-h1500-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"I want to be an illustrator in the future!\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">I want to be an illustrator in the future!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipNUDfPCPeKveljYTE2UPVWdqwA2P7iOTlR0ZKI?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczPVjpAHxSnKNvx88XDFQies_Wq4tZf1qal9_-kuvZOfs6MoAvf7luH-CGbcf2kXrEkbLSb-wKvT9jZoWg55yQovc-jRg0IJDSOWYgrHoiz0P5ULIFmXBdDmaXbhmXOba1G4RIjiBGFCieAw3ePf52oC=w2000-h1125-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"So many cute designs!!!\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">So many cute designs!!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote><p>\n&quot;May all children in the world live in peace!&quot;<br \/>\n&quot;I want to get better at kanji.&quot;<br \/>\n&quot;I hope you&#039;ll be able to eat a lot!&quot;<br \/>\n&quot;Greet people with a smile in the morning!&quot;\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Many wonderful pictures were drawn. It was as if each balloon contained the entirety of the child&#039;s present moment.<\/p>\n<p>The lantern balloon used this time is the &quot;LED Sky Lantern\u00ae,&quot; which does not use fire. It is made by inflating a square, vinyl balloon-like shape with helium gas, and attaching an LED light to the bottom with double-sided tape. Since it comes with kite string and a weight, it can be retrieved after being launched. Safe and reusable. This design also embodies consideration for children.<\/p>\n<h2>The story of Nobuyuki Murakami, who conceived, planned, and managed the project.<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipPWxRnQCmuG7bSF6g8DWeYWMY0lktNiLLncetc?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczP0CFH89O4CWKwGS9Ry7xnfRP6Tmrn_d-DO_iaDUnRGqN5RvzeHKu5GQ11EjoklwBRko5FrE0taKXKs_nyzZE2R9j7AcVtZVX3pEmC8MgKJew0DSf45SgN6f-V4Z5B9kV2GD_7FueUvYvEUTVqQNSdB=w2734-h1552-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2734\" height=\"1552\" alt=\"Nobuyuki Murakami\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nobuyuki Murakami<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<blockquote><p>\n&quot;This is our fourth time holding the Sky Lantern event. We hope the children of Hokuryu Town will enjoy it and create lasting memories for them.&quot;<\/p>\n<p>We expect the event to have around 150 participants, including children from Yawara Nursery School, Elementary School, and Junior High School, as well as their families.<\/p>\n<p>It&#039;s getting more and more exciting every year. We will continue to hold this event so that as many townspeople as possible can participate and enjoy it. Thank you.&quot;\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>In the gaze of community support worker Nobuyuki Murakami, a deep love for the children and a quiet hope for the future of this town shone brightly.<\/p>\n<p>The event was emceed by Aki Shiraishi, a member of the regional revitalization team. Her cheerful and energetic voice guided the event, filling the entire venue with a bright and warm atmosphere.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipNrvIIClfJTJtDEOOLHx18Z8-75C1IRuqcVe_U?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczMIdju0Rd9d3zgVyFTiQqg5-dL20vTOsWHrCmTjycA1ORM76tshkzzEkBWyherMaw7ztnSKR75bcjUCR4y_UNw8kVHhjDzch0auRxYIlf6RqvHwHPlfQP4yLZkymkM2pW4koucn3O-l9nLPwo_FqO0n=w2000-h1500-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"The show will be hosted by the energetic and vibrant Aki Shiraishi!\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The show will be hosted by the energetic and vibrant Aki Shiraishi!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>performance<\/h2>\n<h3>Juggling | Extreme Hiroki Serikawa<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipP2bWVUzpEe9cM_BYnGnKDDVF5g8r8YPgSjCLA?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczOkHzQd42hEV2G3xrv0C8jmugQXfT01p1Xpa66vaWXYhh4sSYCkPeoV813esmH594g9Wc89LMvjyK8A43mxJ6gvrTyFNcEELDIUx3LNV05Jc_qlfWjDNs9zeerRnfsoB1mRjUsfGv1wuOODcfm1PaPD=w2000-h1125-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"Player Hiroki Serikawa\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Player Hiroki Serikawa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Born and residing in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido in 1994. An extreme entertainer based in northern Hokkaido who performs worldwide. He excels at club juggling, mouth balancing, and plate spinning, and has been passionate about kendama, Rubik&#039;s Cube, and pen spinning since childhood.<\/p>\n<p>I started juggling after entering university in 2012, and in 2018 I trained in street performance in Australia.<\/p>\n<p>He holds licenses as a Tokyo Metropolitan Government-certified Heaven Artist, Atsugi Street Performer in Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Greenland Performer in Iwamizawa City, Hokkaido. His juggling, created with delicate fingertips, is truly &quot;extreme.&quot;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipPQdYp9OvUvYxAqEH-6hftKdlZMLOtiFSNy8Vo?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczMNyjW4G8JwCwltIGKJGeWS5FOQ8Gbyo3z7TiYcYyIRBUsPE6JFzmeYh5On-5P5UR7FKdxhkLxgUsenK0xNjk4I81H2Rz6P3Ih7POrJ2v9V5YxKFUjRYgvOzl7qzckTItXmPiztKJDJfVrRGOZf4j40=w2000-h1125-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"The performance of wine glasses\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The performance of wine glasses<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The performance captivated the children, and enthusiastic cheers erupted throughout the venue.<br \/>\nWhen a challenge fails, the message is: &quot;Keep trying! Try again! Don&#039;t give up!&quot;<br \/>\nThe moment they succeeded, everyone erupted in cheers. Their never-give-up spirit and the warmth of supporting each other&#039;s challenges\u2014it was a dazzling sight from the children of Hokuryu.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipO37omzmE3EaOLmtVL5kq2V9ICJ5_pAI1bHkN4?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczNtmWBwzq0ZW5LTkSfyS3FjKTZOnLntjXBJvOT6n0Curp-Kcw0NnZwtv82XDmU-bFkgtwGOnU0A8XGTmmGsLXFU_NVWYbmjx7nS35YEfWPpLtuiiy3Q73nXIzfEzEJxBdPslZ-i48IL2KkY0P47tZWf=w2000-h1125-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"I&#039;m taking on the challenge of 6 bottles!\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">I&#039;m taking on the challenge of 6 bottles!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipPnTd_spRLTmYUsHknDCeltkJVfYyQJI6P2TvA?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczMmk2BcrPvoEZI1iEuc-cebwx6UGU3RLqg0v7lcLFKNH00HCK2YCKKRg2z7zllYnpi6EC0cJeGFnCfNtmHY09im7Uu_5fAxL19x3Ue99eyteocgf4xIvdFB9s81cOfhqToDtes0bb9BMgDKWYaUdQZW=w2000-h1125-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"Challenge successful! Cheers erupt!\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Challenge successful! Cheers erupt!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Hokuryu Taiko<\/h3>\n<p>The powerful and majestic sound of the drums resonated throughout the venue. The young children stomped their feet and swayed their bodies in time with the rhythm of the drums, resonating with the music. Some children even spontaneously did cartwheels and moved around! It was a moment when the heartbeat of the drums reached deep into the children&#039;s bodies.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipMc2r01T_fuIdiTEHsR-mjPIGDgyY0SKD1Qgpk?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczNbrQF-c7vofQBrCKPimlDcz7jQwdX_OWHA_x0D5MimD-zY9juv2mKAGHm_3T5fKCYKFLoIC4UW62qegGV4cr5R1zmJZdhR74uARxfuA0gpE-5kmExHs20oRioNMuCZoP2p43wrW4UQnfdTuspMilNt=w2000-h1125-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"The magnificent beat of drums resonates throughout the air!\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The magnificent beat of drums resonates throughout the air!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Finally, it&#039;s time to launch the sky lanterns!<\/h2>\n<p>The lights in the building went out\u2014and the lantern balloons, along with their light, gently floated up to the ceiling. Some floated slowly and gently, while others spun around at high speed like spaceships as they rose towards the ceiling\u2014each a unique and colorful lantern balloon.<\/p>\n<p>I was captivated by the fantastical space created by the beautiful lantern balloons floating in the air, their warm glow carrying everyone&#039;s heartfelt wishes. It was a moving moment, a time when my heart felt light and warm. The lantern light projected onto the floor was also enchanting.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipO72ATRBQ4EK-w6pFScGJuodBGYTn7EzEyPVmk?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczPc_efqxfkDmND0Ct0XRfbzDKBt9xd3Ehx6eR7QKX_a2_xrXYwjBf-GN33niGpJRrMZnVgw1aFyBAoAtUhXUttOTJyBNcYrnkD_h275NcGXmof4ZLkbxvqxTZuik0C0pLQQp3u09iMYgkgiyO5TmL9u=w2000-h1125-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"It&#039;s finally time to start!\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">It&#039;s finally time to start!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"\/en\/JGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipNzR0UAO9qX7HvrmRfihJFHF8mbCHme02Z7dz8\/?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczOnkQqS19-cp-RZoiPCYquQklI4GaJDuPxGq5ZkwpQWS4vmwSc3fM1rWGH6PU3_2DLYwD6S1L-3-v0lTFJfe1XNremTXTwMjRJ5V3yx1Gx2HUpG_Qq11kQXyOr6pfflsECns0kydxL2vPMg37Dv6TmR=w2000-h1125-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"Lantern balloons soaring into the air!\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lantern balloons soaring into the air!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipPLpNEaOvIQQayxnwQ0yz1otw_o5vDIGP-3Ris?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczPAmEOnjHVUyHbA1NEnfucqJ0Sy7tNhPCTbAI6B4iYfSiWiSEVGs5kWPFwoesi5rLfXYK-KR6Un8YFgZpWqAm1vVLBsCHBFdiLa_QnFfPJldJiYQ9W4JIzSuLHUWs2__YIktdThgQWv0MXK6XxEq4bH=w2000-h1125-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"The lantern light reflected on the floor\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The lantern light reflected on the floor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Souvenirs: A delightful gift of sweets for the children!<\/h2>\n<p>At the end of the event, children in junior high school and younger were presented with delightful candy gifts. The smiles on the children&#039;s faces as they received their treats were the best gift of the evening.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipNjWiqrMGXaRPSirWV_SqVoxTOxcXSaj-F40AU?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczP6FQpqZ4aQTGSIzaEqbtqZ5O9nMjONQMMvvVmkMitMUpQWmtM5tJ4AwxZ52jWFqoibwTF1cOvFvU7dNsQePT4OUaLGq-Aue_1qdJJYNGlSox5w3x16ADONsjTAD_-2wXgwEOE59Qi9ppcxPtyr5sMj=w2000-h1125-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"Souvenir gift!\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Souvenir gift!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>With the soft glow of a lantern balloon, we pour our heartfelt, poignant feelings and gratitude into the magical atmosphere of a &quot;sky lantern,&quot; creating a truly enchanting experience for the whole family. We offer this with boundless love, gratitude, and prayers.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/photos.google.com\/share\/AF1QipPbnQZMFslc6jiyIotQ7yEeJd1MJGEHYPKywtR00F5mOxXmjcZ_mKpj_P-8fCOnsA\/photo\/AF1QipOiiCqsdEOcjH8JJIrlQ0cLTyFC9T5gBvtBfQE?key=WGM2cnBVeWt0Zk5leTVnbG5xRUdmSkM2SnA2LW1B\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/pw\/AP1GczMAEpDLVdAAdlKm6-OCchQ0_j_zCBHfNji9zW3SJizC04rRGY5dGdaYF2UFiCNT1Vv634V-cxERQPr9YB5dVrCE_0UPuT1OQCQo6m-JhQzrp_h5tS33WRjjLfRjUk3OGuRUgduaEyRcSZ9RsN7XQ-BI=w2000-h1125-s-no-gm?authuser=0\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" alt=\"With feelings poured into the enchanting light...\" class=\"size-medium\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">With feelings poured into the enchanting light...<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>YouTube videos<\/h2>\n<div class=\"youtube\"><iframe title=\"&quot;The Night When Wishes Floated Through the Sky&quot; - The 4th Sky Lantern Festival 2026\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3KLclpqUTEc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<h2>Other photos<\/h2>\n<div class=\"img-move\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"vertical-align: middle;\" src=\"https:\/\/ehokkaido.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/2021-12-06-11.41.12.png\" \/> <a href=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">See photos (119 in total) from the 4th Sky Lantern Festival 2026 here &gt;&gt;<\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Related articles<\/h2>\n\n        <div class=\"site-blogcard-premium\">\n            <div class=\"bc-label-custom\">Related articles<\/div>\n            <div class=\"bc-flex-container\">\n                <div class=\"bc-main-text\">\n                    <div class=\"bc-title-link-box\">\n                        <a 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       <\/div>\n<div class=\"img-move\"><a href=\"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/62509\/\">\ud83d\udd8b\ufe0f Content planning, article writing, photo selection, and video creation: Ikuko Terauchi<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"vertical-align: middle;\" src=\"https:\/\/ehokkaido.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/2021-12-06-11.41.12.png\" \/> Photography, editing, and website management: Noboru Terauchi<\/a><\/div>\n<p>\u25c7<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2026\u5e743\u670831\u65e5\uff08\u706b\uff09 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[&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":72511,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-72508","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cover-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72508","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72508"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72508\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":72800,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72508\/revisions\/72800"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72508"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72508"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/portal.hokuryu.info\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72508"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}