Visit Japan Web Kobe Luminarie
Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Kobe Luminarie. It’s an annual light festival held in Kobe since 1995 to commemorate the Great Hanshin earthquake of that year. The lights are individually hand-painted and powered by biomass-generated electricity to remain environmentally friendly. The installation is produced by Valerio Festi and Hirokazu Imaoka. With over 200,000 lights, it attracts three to five million visitors each year. It also features pedestrian-friendly street closures to allow for an immersive experience.
When the Great Hanshin earthquake struck Kobe on January 17th, 1995, it resulted in over 6,000 fatalities. Many residents had to endure power outages in electricity, gas, and water supply, leading to a dark living environment. The installation of lights served as a symbol of hope, recovery, and revitalization. Originally intended as a one-time event, the overwhelming popularity and public demand led to the annual continuation of the Luminarie. The opening ceremony includes silent prayers for the earthquake victims, and a memorial displaying the names of those who perished.
However, in 2020, as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was anticipated to cause congestion. Even though the scale was reduced, it’s still extremely challenging to implement infection control measures. Additionally, due to the inability of Italian artisans to enter Japan, the Kobe Luminarie event was cancelled. The event was rescheduled to January 2024, deviating from its usual December timing. Instead of the previous centralized displays, the 2024 festival’s exhibits were spread across multiple locations in Kobe, with the notable “Galleria” and “Frontone” displays forming a paid-entry area in Merikan Park.
