On Wednesday, August 6th, the annual Peace Message Lantern Floating Ceremony will once again take place on the opposite bank of the Atomic Bomb Dome, along the Motoyasu River flowing through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
This year marks a significant milestone—the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. From the morning, the Peace Memorial Ceremony will be held at the park, and peace-themed events will take place throughout the city. Then, starting at 6:00 p.m., the Lantern Floating Ceremony will be held on the Motoyasu River, sending heartfelt messages of peace from Hiroshima to the world throughout the day.
Lanterns will be available for purchase at 1,000 yen each. On the day of the event, four reception tents will be set up within Peace Memorial Park, with registration beginning at 7:00 a.m. Participants can write a message on a special sheet of colored paper, have it assembled into a lantern at the reception, and then float it on the river from the “Shinsui Gogan” (waterside bank) across from the Atomic Bomb Dome.
As the event typically draws large crowds and long lines, organizers also offer the option to have lanterns floated on participants’ behalf from a Lantern Floating Boat stationed near the Motoyasu Bridge.
Thousands of colorful, illuminated lanterns will drift down the Motoyasu River, creating a breathtaking ribbon of light across the water. This serene and ethereal scene gently embraces the collective prayers for peace.
Concluding the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Day, the Lantern Floating Ceremony invites everyone to entrust their wishes for peace to each glowing light. On this 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing, why not take part and add your voice to the message of peace from Hiroshima?
