On July 16, 2026, the 79th Yasukuni Shrine Mitama Matsuri reached its final day, known as the "Third Night Festival." This four-day event—one of Tokyo's signature summer festivals—drew to a close as crowds of visitors gathered on the shrine grounds from the evening onwards to enjoy the magical glow of lanterns and various ceremonial offerings. First held in 1947, the Mitama Matsuri is a festival dedicated to consoling the spirits of the heroic dead who sacrificed their lives for the nation, timed to coincide with the traditional Japanese Obon season. Today, while cherishing the spirit of memorial and prayer, it is widely beloved as a quintessential Tokyo summer event that brings together traditional cultures from across the country. On this day, central Tokyo recorded an average temperature of 29.9°C, a high of 34.2°C, and a low of 26.4°C, making for a harsh midsummer day. With average humidity at 75% and a minimum of 61%, the air remained humid and muggy throughout the day. A gentle southerly wind blew at an average speed of 2.4 meters per second; the weather shifted from cloudy to clear between morning and afternoon, remaining cloudy from evening through the following morning. Although clouds covered the sky at times during the day, the setting sun shone through in the evening. At night, against a backdrop of thick clouds, approximately 30,000 votive lanterns cast a soft glow, creating a magical summer scene. As evening fell, the more than 30,000 lanterns and votive lights—large and small—displayed throughout the grounds were illuminated all at once, bathing the approach leading from the First Torii Gate through the Shinmon Gate to the Haiden (Main Hall of Worship) in a golden light. A magical atmosphere, completely different from the daytime, unfolded as the lantern light gently illuminated the greenery of the trees and the beautiful wooden architecture of the shrine buildings. Many visitors come specifically to see this magical landscape; worshippers and tourists from both Japan and abroad strolled leisurely through the shrine grounds, taking photos to their hearts' content. At 5:00 PM, the solemn ceremony for the third night of the festival took place at the Main Hall, marking the conclusion of the four-day Mitama Matsuri. As the Shinto priests' prayers (*norito*) echoed across the grounds, many worshippers bowed their heads in silence, offering prayers of gratitude and solace to the spirits of the heroic dead. It was a moment that epitomized the essence of the Mitama Matsuri—a lively summer festival where, beneath the festivities, a spirit of prayer truly lives on. The day's main highlight was the "Aomori Nebuta" performance dedicated by the Tokyo Nebuta Association. Massive illuminated floats, recreating the authentic Nebuta Festival of Aomori, paraded majestically from the First Torii Gate to the area in front of the Worship Hall. The procession began around 6:30 PM, and by 8:00 PM, the Nebuta floats moving slowly along the approach created a surge of excitement throughout the shrine grounds. These colorful, colossal floats—depicting warriors and historical figures—were illuminated from within to accentuate their three-dimensional forms; their powerful expressions and dynamic designs captivated and overwhelmed the onlookers. The air was filled with the sounds of flutes and drums accompanying the procession, driving the movement forward with a powerful rhythm. Energetic chants rang out across the venue, and the crowd lining the route offered thunderous applause. The sight of the massive floats silhouetted against the night sky, combined with the glow of approximately 30,000 paper lanterns, offered an atmosphere distinct even from the authentic Aomori festival—a rare opportunity to experience one of Japan's premier traditional cultural events right in the heart of Tokyo. Spectators lined both sides of the approach, with people of all ages—from small children to the elderly—mesmerized by the sheer impact and scale of the massive Nebuta floats. Many overseas visitors were present, eagerly taking photos and videos as they experienced Japan's unique festival culture. The Aomori Nebuta float is a highlight that draws huge crowds every year, serving as the symbolic offering that concludes the Mitama Matsuri festival. There are many other attractions within the shrine grounds besides the Nebuta. In the Inner Garden, rows of *bonbori* (paper lanterns)—some featuring calligraphy and paintings by famous figures and others displaying haiku poems submitted from across the country—cast a soft glow as dusk fell. Additionally, an exhibition of famous lanterns from across Japan was held in front of the Yushukan Museum; traditional lanterns such as Hirosaki Neputa and Yuzawa E-doro were on display, allowing visitors to appreciate the diverse lantern cultures of various regions all in one place. Sendai Tanabata decorations, donated by the Miyagi Gokoku Shrine, adorned the Shinmon (Sacred Gate); their colorful streamers swayed in the breeze, adding a festive flair to the precincts. A special flower offering exhibition was also held in front of the Haiden (Main Hall), showcasing elegant arrangements by Japan's leading schools of *ikebana* (flower arranging), with the illuminated blossoms beautifully adorning the sacred space. The customary "Cool Evening Folk Dance Gathering" took place near the statue of Omura Masujiro. Circles of dancers formed around a specially constructed *yagura* (raised platform), with many people enjoying *Bon Odori* dances to tunes like "Tokyo Ondo" and "Chiyoda Odori." Not only local residents but also foreign tourists naturally joined the circles, experiencing a scene unique to a Japanese summer. Bathed in the glow of paper lanterns, the dance venue maintained a friendly, harmonious atmosphere throughout, bustling with the kind of lively energy befitting the festival's finale. Food trucks lined the approach to the shrine, bustling with people enjoying light snacks such as *yakisoba* (fried noodles), skewered foods, and shaved ice. In recent years, food stalls have been replaced by food trucks, making the approach to the shrine spacious and easy to navigate; even during peak hours, visitors can enjoy the dedicatory events and the sight of the votive lanterns at a leisurely pace. As drinking parties are prohibited within the shrine grounds, the atmosphere remains calm, allowing visitors to fully appreciate Japanese traditional culture and the authentic charm of the festival. As night deepens, the shrine grounds take on an even more magical appearance. The gentle glow of lanterns illuminating the approach, combined with the vibrant lights of the Aomori Nebuta floats, creates a scene rich in atmosphere—one that hardly feels like it belongs in the heart of Tokyo. The quiet solemnity of prayers offered to the spirits of the war dead harmonizes beautifully with the energy of traditional performing arts from across Japan, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend. On July 16, 2026—the final day of the 79th Yasukuni Shrine Mitama Matsuri—a spectacular array of events unfolded against the magical backdrop of some 30,000 votive lanterns. Highlights included a dynamic Aomori Nebuta performance by the Tokyo Nebuta Association, as well as Bon Odori dancing and various other dedicatory ceremonies. A festival where a spirit of prayer and traditional culture from across Japan come together as one, this event served as a quintessential feature of a Tokyo summer, offering an unforgettable, moving experience and creating beautiful summer memories for many.