On the day, the Skytree will also unveil its pre-lit-up appearance

In days gone by, when rivers were central to people's lives, the Sumida River thrived as a hub for arts and culture, rivaling the most vibrant areas of Edo. However, with the onset of rapid economic growth and the influx of factory and domestic wastewater, water quality deteriorated, and public interest waned. Currently, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is working with local municipalities and private businesses to improve water quality and revitalize the Sumida River area, which has gained attention with the opening of Tokyo Skytree®, through various initiatives under the banner of "Sumida River Renaissance."

As part of this initiative, an event called "Tokyo Hotaru TOKYO HOTARU FESTIVAL 2012" will be held on May 5th (Sat) and 6th (Sun) along the Sumida River terrace (between Kotobuki Bridge and Azuma Bridge). The theme is "Enjoy the Sumida River Area with All Five Senses." The organizers hope that through this event, people will reflect on life by the river and coexistence with nature.

Among the packed program, which includes children's workshops like windmill and kamishibai (paper play) making, a "River Stage" featuring performances by local artists, a "River Market" offering everything from design goods to food and drinks, and a symposium "Opening Tokyo's Rivers" on the theme of rivers and urban development, the highlights are the early lighting of Tokyo Skytree and the "Symphony of Light" art installation, where approximately 100,000 "Inoriboshi®" (wishing stars) will be released into the Sumida River.



On the day, the Sumida River at night is expected to be enveloped in an overwhelming light, as if swarmed by fireflies. It will surely captivate us with a "scene truly worth a thousand pieces of gold," as described in a line from "Hana" composed by Rentaro Taki.