Last night, on a whim, I went to Umeda with two girls from my Bible study to investigate Candle Night 2008. I'd heard from a student that around summer solstice, many cities have events like these. In Umeda (a VERY busy shopping and entertainment district), a ton of companies and stores agree to turn their lights off (or dim them to the bare minimum) and light candles. They either use the candles to illuminate their store (instead of a huge billboard or lit-up sign), or they simply construct something bizarre on the sidewalk so we can gawk and take pictures.
Lights are turned off between June 21-July 7 from 8-10pm each night. This particular event (the candle displays) was just a one night thing. I'm glad we went. It was incredibly crowded, but really peaceful. Sounds impossible for that to occur in the middle of Osaka, but it's true. With skyscrapers black, everyone's eyes were drawn to the ground. Of course...in the end I bet the electrical cost of re-charging thousands of cell phones and cameras will negate the savings of a voluntary blackout. But it's the thought that counts.
3 comments:
wow... what an experience.
do you know why they do this? what the history is behind it? is it celebrating something? is it for the electricity savings?
yeah, environmental reasons.
Hi Cassie,
Meg is teaching me how to blog (something I want to integrate into my classroom this year) so she suggested that I read yours.(To her credit, she even allowed me to read hers but she said yours would be more interesting because of Japan...do you think it's the old bait and switch technique?)
I have enjoyed reading about your experiences. I know Japan will be the worse for the loss of you later this summer but we here in the States miss you and are anxious top see you again.
Enjoy the rest of your time. These are moments that you will cherish forever.
Love,
Mama Roupe
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