Note: This website was automatically translated, so some terms or nuances may not be completely accurate.
Countless flames danced across the night sky: Enjoying Japan's first Lantern Fest with Perrier
"The Lantern Fest JAPAN supported by PERRIER" (Organizer: Afro&Co.) was held on August 20th with support from Nestlé Japan's sparkling natural mineral water, "Perrier."
The Lantern Fest, first held in Idaho, USA in 2014, has rapidly grown in popularity through social media and other channels. This year, it will be held 40 times across the United States. This marked its first-ever landing in Japan. As soon as it was announced online, it garnered significant attention. Applications flooded in, with approximately 280,000 groups applying for the 100 groups (300 people) invitation slots, far exceeding expectations. Due to safety concerns, the venue was changed, and measures were taken to only inform the winners.
In the evening, after the rain had stopped, the lucky few who had overcome odds of roughly 2800 to 1 gathered at the venue. They relaxed as they pleased on the grass, benches, and table seating spread out in front of the stage. As dusk gradually fell, singer-songwriter Rina Sumioka, who also appeared on the TV show "Terrace House," Shingo Sekiguchi, active at numerous festivals, and Calm performed live, enveloping the area in slow, transparent music.
A "Perrier Lounge" offered special cocktails made with Perrier, allowing attendees to enjoy the pleasant fizz of natural carbonation. Others spent leisurely moments roasting the marshmallows distributed to everyone over the fire pits.
As the venue plunged into darkness after this pleasant interlude, three female fire performers emerged, showcasing their skillful manipulation of flames. Energized by the dynamic fire, attendees were then guided to the event's climax: the lantern release.
The lanterns, assigned one set at a time, were lit. Once preparations were complete, the venue lights were turned off. A countdown began beneath the night sky. As participants released their lanterns, they soared into the air simultaneously. Cheers erupted at the fantastical sight of countless flames weaving through the sky. The lanterns glowed and drifted in the sky for a while before burning out one by one, bringing the event to a close.
Toshifumi Kurihara, Business Manager at Nestlé Japan's Water Business Division, shared his thoughts on the event: "We decided to sponsor this event believing it would allow participants to savor Perrier's concept of 'exceptional moments.' Seeing the expressions on everyone's faces confirmed we made the right choice. We believe it's crucial for the brand to continue offering luxurious and unique experiences that are uniquely Perrier."
Kotaro Matsui of Dentsu Inc. Promotion & Design Bureau, who brought The Lantern Fest to Japan for the first time, remarked, "After observing The Lantern Fest in the US, I felt this 'spectacular festival' – where families and friends chill out together outdoors around a fire pit enjoying live music, culminating in participants uniting to launch lanterns into the night sky – truly embodies the kind of authentic richness and healing that people crave today. It brings genuine richness and healing. With Perrier's support, I'm relieved we could hold it successfully today."
Was this article helpful?
Share this article
