Lanterns with prayers for Taiwan’s reconstruction from the latest earthquake were released into the night sky on April 7.

Atagawa Onsen, located in Higashi-Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, was used as the location for this event because the townscape with many slopes resembles famous tourist spot Jiufen in Taiwan.

Guests from Taiwan were also invited to the venue, and a lighting ceremony was held for 800 red Taiwanese lanterns installed in the hot spring town.

When the lanterns were lit, the hot spring town became a space full of exotic atmosphere, and authentic Chinese lion dances were performed to liven up the venue.

At the venue, donations were also collected for the major earthquake that occurred in Taiwan on April 3, and people visited the reception one after another to make donations.

At the end of the event, lanterns with prayers for Taiwan’s reconstruction were released into the night sky.

This lantern lighting is scheduled to take place throughout the year.