🏮 The Japanese Arts Foundation is proud to welcome you back to our annual Toro Nagashi lantern ceremony in Jackson Park’s Osaka Garden. We invite you to join us in this meaningful ceremony to process the loss of loved ones and strengthen our bonds as a community. This year’s event takes place on August 6, the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, where one of the largest Toro Nagashi ceremonies in the world is held each year to honor lives lost. Lanterns will be floated in the Garden’s pond, accompanied by the sounds of shamisen by Toyoaki Sanjuro (@asianimprovarts), offering a quiet space for remembrance and connection. 🕊️About Toro Nagashi: The ceremony of Toro Nagashi (literally, “floating lanterns”) is a Buddhist tradition held to celebrate the end of Obon season. Toro Nagashi can be a smaller family affair to remember lost loved ones or a much larger gathering to memorialize those who have been lost to natural disasters, war, and other causes. The ceremony officially begins when the ancestors return to the spirit world. Communities come together to guide the spirits down to the water using candle-lit lanterns (toro), which visually represent the spirits’ drifting home. 🕯️ Lanterns and space are limited! Reserve yours in advance today at the link in bio or here: ToroNagashi25.eventbrite.com #ToroNagashi #JapaneseArtsFoundation #Obon #ChicagoEvents #GardenOfThePhoenix #Remembrance #JapaneseCulture #Hiroshima #FloatingLanterns (fb)

🌊 This Friday, kick-off your ACen weekend with the best way to experience City Pop and Future Funk around, presented by the Japanese Arts Foundation! The best City Pop and Future Funk tracks will be spun by City Pop DJ Van Paugam accompanied by DJ Mach, providing the ultimate summer vibes! 📅Friday, May 16, 5 - 8 PM 📍Pete’s Tiki Tiki, 5510 Park Pl Suite B, Rosemont, IL 🚶‍♂️10 minute walk from the convention center! 🍹Enjoy a complimentary drink as well as happy hour drink specials, providing the ultimate summer vibes! 🎟️Reserve your ticket today at the link in bio - supplies are limited! Unwind to rare grooves ranging from the shimmering city pop to the soulful strains of Showa kayo—each record curated by DJ Van for its complimentary vibe and sonic excellence. Enhancing the atmosphere, retro Japanese films and anime will play throughout the venue. This visual backdrop serves as a counterpart to the song and vinyl selections, transporting you to a seaside umi no Ie (海の家) masterfully mixed with western tiki culture. You truly haven’t experienced the entire convention until you’ve been to the best City Pop and Future Funk party in town! (fb)