Toyama City: Sweet Christmas Illumination 2020 at Fugan Unga Kansui Park

The 'Sweet Christmas Illumination 2020' held at Fugan Canal Kansui Park in 2020 was a special event that brought hope and healing to people even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Held under circumstances different from previous years, this illumination warmed the hearts of visitors with its beautiful light displays, all while thoroughly implementing infection prevention measures. The tens of thousands of LED lights shining along the canal and the fantastical scene reflected on the water deeply moved many citizens and tourists. This time, we will introduce the charm of this memorable 2020 illumination.

The Special Background of the 2020 Illumination

Amidst the cancellation of numerous events due to the impact of the novel coronavirus, the Sweet Christmas Illumination 2020 was a valuable event that was held with strict infection prevention measures. Prioritizing visitor safety, various measures were implemented, including admission limits, thorough hand sanitization, and mandatory mask-wearing. Despite these challenges, many people came seeking the beautiful lights, and the event garnered significant attention as one where hope could be found even in difficult times. This illumination transcended a mere decorative event, becoming a symbolic representation of community unity and hope. During its duration, even on weekdays, there were many visitors, making it a special memory that brightened the winter of 2020.

The Grandeur of the Main Illumination Display

The main illumination in 2020 unfolded on a magnificent scale, encompassing the entire canal. Approximately 100,000 LED lights were used, bathing the canal-side promenade, Tenmon Bridge, and the entire lawn area in warm light. Particularly striking were the islands of light floating on the canal, where reflections on the water created a beautiful, fantastical underwater garden. A display where lights changed with music was also incorporated, with 15-minute light-up shows held every hour. The sight of colorful lights dancing to Christmas songs was a moving experience, like an orchestra of light. Additionally, numerous Instagrammable photo spots were set up, where many people captured the beauty in their pictures.

The Art of Light and Reflection on the Water Surface

The greatest charm of the Kansui Park illumination is the reflective effect of the lights on the canal's surface. In the 2020 illumination, this reflective effect was utilized to its fullest. Lights installed on both banks of the canal reflected beautifully on the water, creating an illusion as if another world stretched out beneath the surface. On calm, windless nights, the water's surface exhibited a perfect, mirror-like reflection, creating a mystical scene where heaven and earth seemed connected by light. Especially from dusk into night, as natural light transitioned to artificial light, the beauty of the reflections changed moment by moment, captivating viewers to the point of forgetting time. Many photographic works utilizing this reflective effect were created and became a big topic on social media.

Details of the Christmas Tree and Special Decorations

For the 2020 illumination, a giant 12-meter-tall Christmas tree was set up as the main symbol. Approximately 3,000 LED lights adorned this tree, with special lighting displays occurring every 30 minutes. Around the tree, decorations featuring reindeer and Santa Claus motifs, as well as snow crystal designs, were arranged, creating a space truly reminiscent of a Christmas wonderland. Additionally, light gates and arches were installed throughout the park, designed to allow visitors to enjoy walking through tunnels of light. Particularly popular with children were the animal sculptures made of light, which also became very popular photo spots. All these decorations utilized energy-saving LEDs, demonstrating a commitment to environmentally conscious and sustainable event management.

Visitor Safety Measures and Infectious Disease Countermeasures

For the 2020 illumination, countermeasures against COVID-19 were positioned as the top priority. Basic infection prevention measures were thoroughly implemented, including temperature checks upon entry, mandatory hand sanitization, and compulsory mask-wearing. To avoid congestion, limitations on the number of visitors and a time-slot entry system were introduced. Within the park, markers were placed to maintain social distancing, and staff constantly patrolled, encouraging safe viewing. Furthermore, an online reservation system was introduced, allowing visitors to specify their entry time in advance and minimizing waiting times on-site. Thanks to these measures, visitors could enjoy the illumination with peace of mind, savoring the beautiful light displays while minimizing infection risks.

The Special Significance of the Commemorative Year 2020

The Sweet Christmas Illumination 2020 was an event with special significance that transcended a mere tourist attraction, becoming a source of emotional support for people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Sweet Christmas Illumination 2020 was a special event amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.