On July 15, 2026, the 79th Yasukuni Shrine Mitama Matsuri entered its third day—the "Second Night Festival"—drawing large crowds of worshippers to the shrine in Kudan, Tokyo, starting in the early evening. The Mitama Matsuri is a traditional event that began in 1947, held to console the spirits of the war dead in conjunction with the ancient Japanese *Obon* season. Today, it is a quintessential Tokyo summer tradition, cherished by many as a festival that blends history, prayer, and traditional culture from across Japan. Central Tokyo experienced intense midsummer heat that day, recording an average temperature of 29.3°C, a high of 34.3°C, and a low of 25.9°C. While the humidity was high—averaging 75% with a minimum of 53%—a southeasterly wind with an average speed of 3.5 meters per second occasionally swept through the shrine grounds, offering some relief from the heat as evening approached. The weather was "sunny with occasional clouds" during the day, revealing a vast blue sky, but shifted to "hazy clouds" from evening into night, creating a backdrop that made the soft glow of the lanterns stand out even more beautifully. As evening drew near, more than 30,000 votive lanterns of various sizes and large hanging lanterns across the shrine grounds began to light up. The approach leading from the outer garden path through the Shrine Gate to the Main Hall was bathed in golden light, creating an ethereal atmosphere completely different from the daytime scene. Countless lanterns, arranged in orderly rows, gently illuminated the night sky over Kudan, guiding visitors into a quiet, sacred ambiance. Few places in the heart of Tokyo offer such an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese beauty; consequently, many international tourists paused to admire the sight and eagerly took photographs. At 5:00 PM, the solemn Second Night Festival ceremony was conducted at the Main Hall, where prayers of gratitude and consolation were offered for the spirits of the war dead. A sense of serenity pervades the entire shrine grounds; even amidst the festive bustle, one can feel the solemn atmosphere unique to Yasukuni Shrine. Following this time of prayer, various dedicatory events commenced across the precincts, showcasing the diverse activities that define the Mitama Matsuri festival. At 6:30 PM, the customary "Mikoshi-furi" (portable shrine swaying ritual) was performed along the outer approach. Numerous bearers—including members of the Kojimachi Yasukuni-ko, students from Otsuma Women's University, and local children—joined forces to advance the portable shrine from the First Torii gate to the area in front of the Main Hall. "Mikoshi-furi" is a spirited ritual in which the portable shrine—believed to house the divine spirit—is vigorously swayed as it moves forward; the air was filled with the resounding beats of drums and the spirited shouts of the bearers. The bearers moved in perfect unison, swaying the shrine with impressive power and intensity, creating an electrifying atmosphere that drew large crowds of spectators along the route. Bathed in the glow of golden lanterns, the portable shrine exuded a majestic presence, offering a firsthand experience of the vitality of Japanese traditional culture. Meanwhile, near the statue of Omura Masujiro, the "Summer Evening Folk Dance Gathering," organized by the Chiyoda Ward Folk Dance Federation, took place from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. A special *yagura* (raised platform) was erected around the statue's pedestal, with concentric circles of dancers forming around it. Upholding a tradition unique to Yasukuni Shrine, the dancing begins only after participants bow toward the Main Hall to express gratitude to the enshrined spirits—a practice that lends the event a solemn atmosphere distinct from other Bon dance festivals. Once the dancing began, a succession of tunes played, ranging from "Tokyo Ondo" and "Chiyoda Odori" to various folk songs and familiar melodies from across Japan. The local "Chiyoda Odori" proved particularly popular, and the sight of local residents dancing joyfully left a lasting impression. The atmosphere is welcoming enough for anyone—even those who don't know the steps—to naturally join the circle; first-time visitors and international tourists alike could be seen enjoying the dance by simply following along with others. It is a scene unique to the Mitama Matsuri to see people of all generations and nationalities—families and friends in *yukata*, as well as overseas tourists—uniting in a single circle to experience Japanese summer culture. There is even a segment where members of the general public can climb onto the *yagura* (dance tower) to dance, filling the venue with thunderous applause and cheers. Instructors from the Folk Dance Federation carefully lead the dancing, ensuring that even those experiencing *Bon Odori* for the first time can participate with confidence. While the dancing is occasionally paused for ritual offerings, many visitors take this opportunity to view the votive lanterns, hanging *bonbori* (paper lanterns), and the exhibition of famous lanterns from across the country. Approximately 300 hanging *bonbori* and haiku-inscribed lanterns line the grounds beautifully; the calligraphy, paintings, and haiku by famous figures are illuminated by a soft glow, revealing an aesthetic quite different from the daytime view. Additionally, lanterns dedicated from regions across Japan are displayed in front of the Yushukan Museum, offering a rare chance to appreciate diverse traditional cultures from all over the country in one place. Colorful Sendai Tanabata decorations sway in the breeze at the shrine gate, adding a festive flair typical of a summer festival. Food trucks line the approach to the shrine, offering treats such as *yakisoba* (fried noodles), skewered foods, and shaved ice. While the shrine grounds were once filled with traditional stalls, these have been replaced by food trucks; this change has opened up the approach, creating a spacious environment where visitors can stroll leisurely while admiring the beautiful lantern displays and ritual events. Alcohol consumption is prohibited on the grounds, contributing to a calm atmosphere where one can truly savor the authentic spirit of the festival. In recent years, the Mitama Matsuri has seen a growing number of young people, families with children, and international tourists. A diverse array of people shared the same time and space: young people cheering as the *mikoshi* (portable shrine) was vigorously swayed, families snapping photos amidst the glow of paper lanterns, and international tourists smiling as they joined the *Bon Odori* dance circle. While honoring the festival's original purpose of consoling the spirits of the war dead, the sight of so many people gathering in peace and enjoying traditional Japanese culture seemed to symbolize the cherished values ​​the Mitama Matsuri has long upheld. The 79th Yasukuni Shrine Mitama Matsuri on July 15, 2026, was a summer evening where prayer and festivity harmoniously coexisted—featuring an enchanting landscape woven by some 30,000 votive lanterns, the spirited swaying of the *mikoshi*, open-to-all folk dance gatherings, and dedication performances showcasing traditional culture from across Japan. Situated in the heart of Tokyo, it was a day that truly befitted a signature Tokyo summer festival, allowing visitors to experience Japanese history, culture, community bonds, and the wish for peace with all their senses.