The cold grows deeper as Sendai nears winter. However, each year this Japanese city, located in the northeastern prefecture of Miyagi, is wrapped in warm lights despite the chill. The city will mark the season again this year with its annual Sendai Pageant of Starlight, held this year from December 12 until New Year's Eve.
The Pageant began in 1986 with a simple desire on the part of the people of Sendai. The response was overwhelming, and the event grew in scope. Visitors from all over Japan now come to Sendai for the Pageant, totaling nearly 2.6 million last year. The lights extend from Sendai station for 500 meters down Aoba Boulevard, and another 500 meters down the beautiful tree-lined Jozenji Boulevard. Another canopy of trees extending 800 meters is transformed into an otherworldly tunnel of light.
The most spectacular sights of the Pageant are when the lights are turned on every evening at 5:30pm and the Starlight Wink. The Starlight Wink occurs when all the lights are turned out about one minute prior to six, seven, and eight o'clock each night, and then relit all at once. The rows of bare winter trees are instantly wrapped in light as the spectators let out a cheer, and the joyful voices echo throughout the city of Sendai.
.
There are a host of other winter events taking place in Sendai during the pageant period. On December 23, enjoy a parade of costumed Santas enacting "Santa's Forest Story", as well as musical performances and other events. In addition, a Symbol Tree makes its appearance at the civic square in Kotodai Park. Each year the color of the Pageant illumination changes, filling visitors with anticipation of what color this year will be.
Experience the sparkle of nearly 600,000 lights glittering in Sendai in the heart of winter. The lights represent the warm wishes of the people in Sendai, who hope to send them out to every man, woman, and child throughout world. The Sendai Pageant of Starlight will touch your heart this year as well.
▽ Sendai Pageant of Starlight 2008
http://www.sendaihikape.jp/index.html
Photos provided by
The executive committee:
Sendai Pageant of Starlight 2008
