Every summer, tens of thousands of lights fill the Ichijodani valley for the Echizen Asakura Mantouya festival. Ahead of this year’s event on August 22–23, children across the city have begun making their message cups. On July 8, 32 fifth- and sixth-graders at Miyama Elementary School drew their dreams and wishes on the cups that will light up the venue.
This year’s themes are “Thoughts for our new school” and “My dream, my wish.” The children of Miyama Elementary — newly formed this spring through a school merger — faced their pure white cups and, with colorful markers, filled them little by little with favorite characters, flowers, sports, and their future selves.
“I want to get better at trapping and dribbling in soccer.” “I hope the world becomes peaceful.” Each cup holds a child’s honest thoughts. Showing them to friends, pausing to think carefully — their earnest expressions were truly memorable.
Cups made by about 700 children from seven elementary schools across the city will line up in front of the Karamon Gate at the Asakura Clan Ruins on the night of the festival. Lit with candles, each wish takes on a soft glow — together, about 15,000 lights illuminate the Warring States castle town in a scene of quiet wonder.
The Echizen Asakura Mantouya began as a prayer for recovery from the 2004 Fukui flood and as a thank-you to the many volunteers who helped. This year marks its 23rd time. The small lights the children drew gather into one large, warm glow. On August 22 and 23, please come to Ichijodani and see them for yourself.