A wish of Kaze-no-bon
Ms. Kaori Katsumata, Matsushima Tourism Association

Ms. Kaori Katsumata, Secretary General, Matsushima Tourism Association, Japan

Matsushima was relatively light in damage when you compared it with other coastal region. When we saw the damage of its surrounding area, we were not sure whether we really should hold the Umi-no-bon in August, 2011. However, we decided to hold the event as a Bon festival in order to pray for the souls of those who lost their lives in the disaster.
It was really hard to prepare the event during the restoration process time. It is said that the souls of the dead will return to one's home in Obon and they will leave to the next world on the next day. When we released the lanterns to the ocean in August 15th 2011, the lanterns supporsed to flow beyond the sea, but all lanterns somehow returned to the shore as if they were heading back to their home. When we released them on the next day, all the lanterns flew beyond the sea. I still remember that I shed tears when I saw them it really happened as a legend.
More than seven years have passed since the disaster, and we would like to hear your opinions about this event and then we would like to hold the Umi-no-bon as a more memorable event. Many people have been participated in this event before the disaster, and we receive many requests that people would like us to release the lanterns on their behalf. We hope this event will be known more nationwide, and we also hope that many people participate in this event for their loved ones.

Website: Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan, Matsushima (Matsushima Tourism Association)
http://www.matsushima-kanko.com/en/