The NISHIUMEDA CANDLE NIGHT Executive Committee (made up of Hanshin Electric Railway Co., Ltd., Yoshimoto Building Co., Ltd., Sankei Building Co., Ltd., The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd., and Japan Post Real Estate Co., Ltd.) will hold "NISHIUMEDA CANDLE NIGHT" across the West Umeda area of Osaka's Kita Ward on Wednesday, December 9, 2026.
The event continues the spirit of "Candle Night for 1 Million People @OSAKA CITY," which began in 2005, and has grown into a twice-yearly tradition bringing together local businesses, facilities, and residents. Held on the nights of the summer and winter solstices as an occasion to reflect on the environment and society while lighting candles together, this December's event marks a milestone 21st year. The event was renamed "NISHIUMEDA CANDLE NIGHT" this past June, and the same spirit continues to be carried into this winter's edition.
Visitors can take in the special atmosphere created by West Umeda's own candlelight tradition, one that treasures the culture of light and the warmth of handmade craft while looking toward the future.
Highlights
Candle Corridor
Candle art created by creators and student groups from the Kansai region will line the streets throughout the West Umeda area, transforming the whole district into a corridor of light. The photogenic sight of candle art glowing along the streets draws large crowds at every edition, and a "Candle Corridor Award" will again be held to recognize outstanding works.
西梅行燈 (Nishiume Andon)
A signature feature of the event, handmade andon paper lanterns lit with candles line the area, inspired by Japan's traditional andon lighting. Each paper bag is illustrated with pictures and messages carrying the hopes and wishes of the people who made them, gently wrapping the town in the thoughts of every visitor.
Facility Collaborations
Facilities across West Umeda, including Herbis PLAZA/PLAZA ENT, Hilton Plaza East/West, Breeze Breeze, and JP Tower Osaka, will host a range of collaborative programs such as Christmas concerts, markets, hands-on craft workshops, and candlelit dining (further details to be announced).
Candle Installation
West Umeda Park will host a dreamlike installation by general director CANDLE JUNE, one of the largest-scale works of his career. Visitors can spend time surrounded by the beauty of countless glowing candles, whether taking a slow stroll or capturing photos of the scene.
Light-Off
With the cooperation of nearby buildings across West Umeda, the area's lights will be temporarily switched off for a "light-off" period. Amid a nighttime darkness that is rarely experienced, the flicker of the candles glows even more beautifully, offering a soothing, restful moment in the heart of West Umeda.
Event Overview
| Name | NISHIUMEDA CANDLE NIGHT |
| Date & Time | Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Candles to be lit from around 5:00 PM (planned) ※Postponed to the following day in case of rain |
| Venue | Across the West Umeda area of Osaka's Kita Ward (Hilton Plaza East/West, JP Tower Osaka, Herbis PLAZA/PLAZA ENT, Breeze Breeze, Mainichi Newspapers Building, West Umeda Park, and others) |
| Organizer | NISHIUMEDA CANDLE NIGHT Executive Committee (Hanshin Electric Railway Co., Ltd., Yoshimoto Building Co., Ltd., Sankei Building Co., Ltd., The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd., Japan Post Real Estate Co., Ltd.) |
| Co-organizer | Hankyu Hanshin Holdings, Inc. |
| Sponsor | Kameyama Candle House |
| Support | Osaka Prefecture, City of Osaka, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (planned) |
| Admission | Free |
Updates on the event will be shared as they become available through the official website and social media accounts below.
Official website: https://nishiumeda-candlenight.com
Official Instagram: @candle_nishiumeda
Official Facebook: @candle.night.osaka
Official X (formerly Twitter): @candle_osaka
Through the light that each participant brings, the event embodies a community-building effort in which everyone plays a part, and continues to support the ongoing revitalization of the West Umeda area. As a 21-year-old tradition of light carried forward to the next generation, its future editions are well worth looking forward to.
