“Sapporo YEG Yumeakari 2025 – Lighting the Future of Sapporo Together,” organized by the Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Division, was held on September 23 (Tuesday) at Tanuki Nijo Plaza.
During the daytime, the venue came alive with a lively food stall village featuring local cuisine, hands-on activities for families, and stage performances. As evening fell, a lighting ceremony was held for Botanical Lights—next-generation light sources that glow using the power of plants. In addition, Yumeakari paper lanterns, illuminated from within by LED lights, were gently released into the river, creating a dreamlike nightscape along the Sosei River.
A total of 5,418 people attended the event, which is expected to contribute to creating new attractions and experiences that showcase Sapporo’s future-oriented charm.

At the gourmet food stalls, many local restaurants participated, offering visitors a taste of Sapporo’s diverse and vibrant food culture.

As dusk approached, the Botanical Light lighting ceremony began. These plant-based lights softly illuminated the riverside, symbolizing sustainable urban development.

The lights were beautifully illuminated—an impressive sight. It will be exciting to see how this technology may be used as a future light source.

Making paper lanterns for Yumeakari. What kind of lanterns will they become?

Many lanterns featured characters popular with children, along with handwritten wishes.

Yumeakari lanterns drifting along the Sosei River. Fantastical and serene, they carried the hopes and thoughts of each participant downstream. One can only hope this meaningful event will continue for many years to come.

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