Toro Nagashi/Lantern Ceremony

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 7pm-10pm
Osaka Garden (Garden of the Phoenix), Jackson Park (6300 S Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60637)

The ceremony of Toro Nagashi (literally, “floating lanterns”) is a Buddhist tradition held to celebrate the end of Obon season. Lanterns will be floated in the waters of the Osaka Garden pond, and can be placed throughout the Garden, Yoko Ono’s SKYLANDING, along with the sounds of shamisen courtesy of renowned musician Toyoaki Sanjuro of Asian Improv Arts Midwest will comfort guests throughout the evening.

This year coincides with the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. To this day one of the largest Toro Nagashi ceremonies in Japan is held there to pay respect to the lives lost as a result of the bombing.

JACL Chicago will be speaking at this event. This event is currently waitlist-only. Sign up for the waitlist via Eventbrite.