NAGASAKI - The first Nagasaki Lantern Festival in three years began in this southwestern Japan city on January 22 with some 15,000 lanterns lighting up locations including Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown. On the eve of the festival's opening, locals and tourists enjoyed the dreamy spectacle during a lighting test.
The celebration was a Nagasaki winter tradition since 1994 when it was launched to coincide with the Lunar New Year. The coronaviruses had forced the committee to cancel the festival in 2021 and 2022. This year, it's being held with COVID 19 countermeasures such as foregoing stage shows to prevent spectators from crowding.
During the festival period, there are numerous events planned, including the Emperor's Parade on January 28 and February 4 in which participants dressed in beautiful Chinese costumes march in central Nagasaki.