Vlog The Miraculous Nishijima Illuminations of the residents, by the residents, for the residents.
Hello. This is my first visit to Nishijima Illumination. Probably everyone in Yamanashi Prefecture knows about it. I moved to Yamanashi last year and learned about it for the first time when I watched local TV.
Even though it was introduced on TV, I didn’t go last year because I thought on my own that since it was an illumination done by residents, it must not be that great. Yes, it is. This is a normal residential area, and the illumination is done only by the residents.
Illuminations at large tourist facilities such as Ashikaga Flower Park, German Village, and Nabana-no-sato are nice, but this place has a different kind of charm. Illuminations of the residents, by the residents, for the residents. One grandfather started this project because he wanted to see his grandchildren’s happy faces.
It gradually spread and now 500 meters of pathways are lit with lights. Each house decorates in a different way, so you can walk down the street without getting bored at all. In fact, I went back and forth down that aisle three times today. Each time, I found a new electric light!
I can imagine the many ingenious things parents do to make their own children happy. What a surprise, it seems that yuzu tea is served and there is a fireworks display. Without the donations, they can’t do that kind of thing. So, from here, I will shoot 500 meters non-stop.
Unedited, no background music as usual. This is the entrance to the Nishijima area. The illumination continues for 500 meters from here. Illuminations of the residents, by the residents, for the residents. What is amazing is that only residents are doing this.
And the fact that it has been going on for so long is a miracle. If there are 100 people, those 100 people will never look in the same direction. Some people will want to do the illumination, some will not, and some will never want to do it.
Even in that situation, it is an event where the residents come together to do it. Tourists, on the other hand, are of all types. In a certain percentage, there are always people who do not follow the rules or do not have good manners.
People who drive into the street even though there is a sign that says, “This is a narrow street, do not drive in. People who shout. People who throw garbage. I hope this illumination will not be lost because of those people who don’t have those manners.
Residents are also opening their yards to the public. I saw on TV that the residents worked together to decorate the high places with lights. I went back and forth along this road three times and encountered cars and motorcycles with license plates from other prefectures.
It is a narrow road and is a big nuisance to local traffic. Is it illuminated by something? Each house, each decoration. I never get tired of it. There is as much drama as there are houses. Maybe someday this will become a TV drama or a movie. The Miracle of Nishijima Illumination.”
There must have been many difficulties. They overcame those difficulties, and even today, the residents continue to work together to keep the illumination event going. The grandson who was the catalyst for the beginning of this event is now working with them to help with the decorations.
I wish the name Nishijima was known all over the country. If one of the residents said, “I’m from Nishijima,” everyone would say, “Wow, that’s great. The donation box says we need your warm cooperation so that we can do it again next year. Ashikaga Flower Park illumination costs 1,300 yen.
A percentage of 1,300 yen is the actual cost, and a percentage is profit. A small donation is not enough to make a profit. If there is a profit, the residents here will probably use that money for the benefit of everyone. All we can do is donate and mind our manners.
There are electric decorations all the way down to the creek. The residents must have all worked together to do this. Small fireworks are going off. I walked 500 meters. I was impressed all the way. Thank you so much, residents. Thank you for watching to the end.
Everyone in Yamanashi Prefecture knows about the Nishijima Illumination.
I first learned of its existence on local TV when I moved to Yamanashi last year, but I did not go last year.
I imagined it wouldn’t be that good.
I went for the first time this time and was impressed beyond my expectation.
It is a miracle that only residents can realize such a great illumination.
I hope it will continue for a long time.
If you go to see the illumination, please understand that this is a residential area, not a tourist attraction.
Do not enter the residential area by car or motorcycle, and do not shout.
Free parking is available at the nearby Nishijima Washi no Sato.
Date taken : December 7, 2023
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