The Nagasaki Lantern Festival, held annually to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, officially kicked off on January 29, 2025, captivating thousands of visitors with its dazzling displays and vibrant atmosphere. This year, attendees are embracing a new trend: the use of small handheld lanterns, enhancing their festival experience.
At precisely 6 PM on opening day, approximately 15,000 lanterns lit up the night sky, marking the start of the 2025 Nagasaki Lantern Festival. Despite the high costs of materials having deterred the production of new main objects for the festival, the charming centerpiece from 2017, known as "Hyakuchou" (百鳥), remains on display at Minato Park, drawing nostalgia and admiration.
What makes this year's festival particularly engaging is the notable presence of visitors carrying small, handheld lanterns. Local stores, such as MinMin, which specializes in Chinese goods, report significant sales with about 800 hand-held lanterns sold within just the first two days of the festival. The new designs, including the "Lotus Flower" lantern, showcase vibrant colors and diverse shapes, inviting participants to join the festive parade through the streets.
Festival-goers from near and far rave about their experiences. "I'm excited to try the xiaolongbao!" exclaimed one visitor from Nagasaki. "The dragon dance has always fascinated me!"
Others traveled from Osaka, expressing their desire for similar celebrations back home: "If only Osaka had such fantastic festivities!" A visitor from Kumamoto shared their surprise at the festival's vibrancy, saying, "I had no idea it would be this spectacular. The food was delicious and the memories are truly special!"
Colorful lanterns line the picturesque Megane Bridge, illuminated by yellow lanterns, which are preferred by many. Nearby, the charming pink lanterns of Douza River sway against the bracing wind, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. At the Tangrenkan site, attendees are seen lighting red candles, symbolizing their wishes for happiness throughout the coming year.
From Fukuoka, one visitor shared their hopes: "I prayed for good health and the opportunity to return again to witness this shining beauty." Representatives from the event's committee are optimistic, aiming for around 900,000 visitors to experience the festival by its conclusion on February 12.
The Nagasaki Lantern Festival, which continues until February 12, not only celebrates cultural heritage but also showcases resilience and adaptability amid economic challenges. The embrace of small lanterns reflects the innovative spirit of the festival's organizers and participants alike, ensuring the event remains vibrant, engaging, and, above all, beautifully appealing to all who attend.