Hotto Illumination

The holiday period in Japan rhymes with illuminations. These light installations fill cities with warmth and joy, and Yokohama is no exception. So I’m going to use this opportunity to introduce the one set up at the square in front of Hongodai Station on the Negishi Line—often referred to as the entrance to Sakae Ward.

This falls in line with my desire to introduce events of the different wards in Yokohama. Last time was Tsuzuki Ward. Please do check it out as well.

Called Hotto Illumination—for the warmth it brings the hearts of people stepping out of Hongodai Station—this event has been around for 10 years and was made possible thanks to the cooperation of shopping street merchants and companies within Sakae.

There will be a light-up ceremony on Sunday, December 15th. On the occasion, the association of local merchants will set up various booths offering food and drinks such as clam chowder and hot wine. There will also be a free degustation (limit of 300 portions) of “Sakae soup”, a local specialty made from ingredients from both Sakae Ward and Sakae Town in Nagano Prefecture (which entered a cooperative agreement 20 years ago), and a small concert by the association’s choir. There will also be a special music event called “Dramatic Xmas Live” performed by local resident KANKAWA, an internationally renowned jazz organ player. Expect a fantastic audio-visual experience of R&B, chorus, organ and more!

Time and place
Every day from December 15, 2013 to January 13, 2014
4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Square in front of Hongodai Station on JR Negishi Line

Illumination Ceremony & Xmas Live (Cancelled in case of rain)

Date and place
December 15, 2013
Square in front of Hongodai Station on JR Negishi Line

Schedule
From 2 p.m.
Booths start selling food and drinks

4:30-4:45 p.m.
Choir

4:45-5:00 p.m.
Official opening address & presentation of the sponsors

5:00-6:00 p.m.
Dramatic Xmas Live & start of illumination
Singer: Fire Lily
Back vocal: kaoru, Kyotaro
Guest: KANKAWA BAND
VJ: Kazuhiko Yabuki
DJ: DJ Ryohei
and more!

And while there, be sure to check out the shopping street around the station for tried and true soba and sushi, or the newly opened ramen shop, Korean restaurant and stylish cafe-bar.

(Cette page en français)

Note: This entry was about Hotto Illumination 2013, but the event takes place every year.