Hijiori Light Project started!

"Hijiori Light Project" , or "Hijiori no Hi" in Japanese, stared 5 years ago to commemorate the 1200year anniversary of Hijiori Onsen. 


Students of Tohoku University of Art & Design (TUAD) are the creators of these amazing lanterns. Each students spend a couple of days in Hijiori, asking the hotel and shop owners about their history to get inspiration for the design of the lantern. 


The lantern itself is made by the artists in Shonai area (Yamagata pref.)


This year, we were waiting for this event with special sentiments. 


Many of the TUAD students have experienced the earthquake. Some of their families lost their house, or loved ones by Tsunami. 


These lanterns are memorials for those who we have lost. We appreciate the beauty of the light even more than past years.  



Look at these lanterns. Hijiori Onsen streets are decorated with 35 gorgeous lanterns.


Some are breathtakingly beautiful. So intricate that I wonder how many hours they must have spent to complete the work! There are lanterns with a lot of vivid colors, others are drawn just by pencil.  



This is our proud、"cafe & bar Hijiori Black".
Hijiori Young people and TUAD students opened a bar on the street only in summer. Menu is Canned Beer, Pineapple Cider, RAMUNE, and iced coffee :)

Last night was a busy night, serving guests and battling with invisible mosquitoes! :-b