The annual illumination in Itoman is like a giant music box, making every little child's dreams come true. There are miniature car and panda rides for kids, photo booths, wine fair, and all the usual festival stalls, like fairy floss and takoyaki.
While the festivities look like a fairy tale, but it also reminds me of a butterfly, transformed with the scars of World War II where some of the most terrifying Battles of Okinawa took place. The peace that we have today is worth celebrating itself, not just for the fairy tale atmosphere The Shinto Shrines and penguins are all burrowed from other cultures, but there is something old and something new here for everyone, regardless of where you come from. This is a festival for you to reflect on as well as one to celebrate the end of a year, a year that we will look back on differently as life goes on.
The event is held in December each year, with a Christmas theme. For over 20 years it has been held from 6 pm to 10 pm. On New Year's Eve, it finishes at 11:30 pm for a nice countdown pre-celebration.
Getting there
The illuminations is 30 mins south east from Naha by car, or 90 mins by bus. It is close to the Peace Memorial.
Bonson Lam @bonson.lam
I knew my future was destined to be with Japan the moment I flew from Sydney to experience the atmospheric laneways of Kyoto last century. I am humbled to have met many distinguished people during this time, especially the national living treasures of Japan, such as the doll maker to the Imperia...
