As Osaka transitions from spring into summer, the city comes alive with outdoor events. One of the most atmospheric among them is Nishi-Umeda Candle Days, which is happening on Wednesday June 4 and celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
For one night only from 4pm to 10pm, the vibrant Nishi-Umeda neighbourhood will be set aglow with candlelight. There will be candle art exhibitions and installations, live music, workshops, pop-up cafés, markets and more. To ensure the candlelight remains the star, surrounding buildings will go dark for two hours from 8pm to 10pm, allowing this side of Osaka to glow in warm, flickering light.
Candle Corridor, 6pm-10pm
Candle installations and formations by Osaka-based artists and students will be scattered across Nishi-Umeda, turning the neighbourhood into a glowing outdoor gallery. Many of these works are created especially for the event and can only be seen on this night.
Nishiume Andon, 6pm-10pm
At the Herbis Plaza square, paper bags decorated with children’s dreams and wishes will be illuminated to create a heartwarming display of hope.
Candle June Installation, 6pm-10pm
This large-scale installation at Nishi-Umeda Park is expected to be the most photogenic feature of Candle Days, with a visually striking formation made from thousands of candles.
Here, you can take part by writing a message or prayer on a white candle holder and adding it to the display for ¥500. Proceeds from the sale will go towards earthquake recovery efforts in the Noto Peninsula.
Live music and concerts
The Osaka Symphony Orchestra will perform beside the Candle June installation at 6pm and 9pm. Over at Herbis Plaza’s Organ Square, a theatre organ concert will serenade the audience with tunes that include hit anime songs at 7pm and 8pm.
Ghibli fans should head to Hilton Plaza East’s atrium, where the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra’s string quartet will perform music by the acclaimed Joe Hisaishi – including tracks from Ghibli classics such as My Neighbor Totoro and Howl’s Moving Castle – at 7.30pm and 8.30pm.
Workshops
Those looking for a hands-on experience can join one of the workshops. The pressed flower botanical candle session requires advance booking, while the candle-making and the message candle workshops are open to walk-ins on a first come, first served basis.
Food and markets
If you’re planning to stay out the whole evening, take a break at the Herbis Plaza Candle Café, which is serving themed drinks and snacks created just for the event.
Meanwhile, two markets will run concurrently on the night. The Everlasting Flower Market (Breeze Breeze, 4pm–9pm) offers floral goods while the Candle Park Market (Nishi-Umeda Park, 4pm–10pm) features handmade candles with proceeds benefiting disaster relief charity Love for Nippon.
Do note that in the event of rain, Nishi-Umeda Candle Days will be postponed to the next day, Thursday June 5. For more information, check the event website.
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