What is “Candle Night”?

“One Million People’s Candle Night in Osaka City: Chayamachi Slow Day” is a project that was started as an action for social good by companies and schools in the Chayamachi area, Umeda. Once a year on a summer night, candle art lends a fantastic air to the town, and soft candlelight surrounds the whole area.
The theme for 2025 is “Miracle (the day when miracles happen).” Amidst the flickering candlelight, it carries the hope that each person can share their thoughts and feelings, connect with one another, and spend a special moment filled with wonderful events and unexpected encounters.

Stroll through the town to enjoy various events

The whole town will be the venue. Candle decorations representing “Miracle,” the project’s theme for 2025, will appear in various locations “Candle Slow Spots,” mainly located in Chayamachi. There will also be “Candle Roads,” or candles arranged along the streets that connect those decorations, so that visitors can enjoy walking around while appreciating the beautifully lit streetscape. The “Candle Award” will exhibit candle works made by artists and hold a popularity poll. Visit and vote for your favorite!
At the “Candle Market,” which will be opened in front of the Umeda Arts Theater, you will find unique candles that are made by artists who belong to the Japan Candle Association. Why not purchase a few candles that you like and hold a candle night at your home, too? The annual “Slow Live” will hold music shows at three venues with different atmospheres. Come and listen to beautiful melodies in the candlelight to enjoy a soothing time.

A night for a responsive chord

From 8 to 10 p.m. on the day of the event, neighboring stores and offices will turn down or turn off their lights as a concerted effort to reduce CO2 emissions. During these hours, electric lights will be subdued or completely off, and candles will be lit. Get away from your hectic daily life for a while, and stroll in soft candlelight to enjoy a soothing, slow time.