The world of Misuzu’s works through the light of “Onshinagawa Uta Akari” (Songs of Onshinagawa)

Cherry blossoms and autumn leaves float on the river at night

On February 15 (Fri.) and 16 (Sat.), an event to enjoy the night, "Onshin River Utaakari" was held around Kirakira Bridge in Nagato Yumoto Onsen.

After 5:00 p.m., two types of "lights" were lit in the still-lit hot spring resort area. The lights in the shape of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, inspired by the poem "Cherry Blossom Tree" and "Carta of Autumn Leaves" by Misuzu Kaneko, a children's song poet born in Senzaki, Nagato City, are decorated on the river.

The main venue, Kirakira Bridge, was lit by light bulbs and candles.

While the sky is still blue, the lights reflect off the water surface, creating a mysterious space.

The sound of shutter clicks of cameras and smartphones could be heard over and over again from everyone gazing at the river from the bridge.

Let's light "Akari" on the Ondonokawa River in winter!

The lighting for the river was supervised by lighting designer Shiho Nagamachi of LEM Space Studio (photo left), who is in charge of nighttime scenery for the Nagato Yumoto Onsen Tourism Town Planning.

On Thursday, February 14, the day before the event, 25 "Akari motifs" created in the January workshop were installed by hanging them from both banks with wires.

Workshop for making "Misuzu's Lighting Motif" (Event Report)

Students from the Kyoto Institute of Technology and Kyoto University of Art and Design sweat together with local residents in the river. While talking to each other, they carefully set up one by one.

It was an exciting time to see what kind of scenery we could see, even though it was the first time for us to tackle this project through trial and error.

This time, preparations were successfully completed by about 20 people, along with setting up food stalls at the main venue, the Kirakira Bridge.

Warmth to be savored at the sparkling bridge

Steam and smoke are dancing on the bridge as the cold winter wind blows.

Food stalls lined the streets, which were all the more delicious because it was a night like this.

First of all, yakitori is an essential part of Nagato City events.

The savory smells lure people to the stalls, and at one point, a line may form in front of the stalls.

Sake is the best thing to enjoy with yakitori.

In addition to hot wine and beer, students stood at the "R Shop Kawamoto" stall and introduced snacks from around the country that go well with the drinks.

Visitors were lured back and forth across the bridge by the rising steam, wondering which to try: curry from Ai Kororin, Zenzai from A.side, or pork miso soup and fried musubi with ankake sauce from Toraya.

Among them, the oden at "Little Yumoto" is especially focused on local production for local consumption.

The oden was made with ingredients from the city, and the daikon radish was harvested from the family farm. The oden, which was made with the help of local residents, including the seasoning, was a satisfying dish that warmed one's body from the inside out.

Cafe & Pottery Oto, the first of the renovated Nagato Yumoto Onsen, serves the familiar hot coffee and minestrone soup, each cup of which is carefully dripped to gently soothe the soul.

Looking at the light

When the sun had completely set and the sky was approaching black.

From the bridge, visitors can enjoy the collaboration of the warmly illuminated hot spring resort and the lights.

Stepping stones can be seen under the bridge.

If you ride the stepping stones, which bring you closer to the Otoshin River, you will encounter a different view. Looking up at the bridge and enjoying the lights reflected on the river surface leading to the hot spring resort, the surrounding area was full of picturesque places.

The laughter of people enjoying the light and food can be heard not only from the bridge, but also from the "Ganki Plaza" across the stepping stones.

A magical time, like stepping into the world of Misuzu Kaneko's poetry.

I couldn't help but want to walk around the hot spring resort and take pictures. It was such two nights.

Related Links

Nagato Yumoto Mirai Project