The OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2011 will be from December 14 (Wed), 2011 to December 25 (Sun). The 9th OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance is a symbol of Aqua Metropolis Osaka. Building the light display is a way to show the energy of Osaka via Nakanoshima, Osaka.

This year, numerous plans have been prepared for the “Central Venue” around Osaka City Central Public Hall and the “East Venue” in Nakanoshima Park. Approximately 460 gingko trees have been decorated along the 1.9km length of Midosuji.

Osaka “Aquarium” Kaiyukan

Osaka “Aquarium” Kaiyukan in the Osaka Port area will be displaying illuminated forms of sharks, dolphins, penguins and other sea creatures. A 22-meter tall tree is illuminated and changes colors every few minutes.

Adding beauty to the light display, a mist fills the air giving off a spectacular atmosphere in the night lights.

Also, a mist blast adds a fantastic atmosphere. The popular rockhopper penguin from Kaiyukan comes to Event Square jumping on the switch to turn it on (approx. for 5 minutes from 17:00) on weekends and holidays until December 25 (Sun). Please come and see him do his stuff.

Eco-Friendly

This year’s illumination events have been created through joint efforts of many people. LED lights and environmentally-friendly sources of electricity are being used this year to conserve energy through lower electricity consumption.

The previous prediction that maple leaves would be ready for viewing unfortunately was incorrect. Maple leaves are still green in many areas around the Kansai region. Some are red. Some are yellow. Finding really bright red maple leaves is getting easier as winter approaches, but they are few and far between.

The better areas to find momiji are in the higher mountain areas or where trees are in direct sunlight.

Good luck finding really red maples! When you do find some, let us know where you found them.

Trees in mountain areas started changing last week, while trees in lower elevations are still green because temperatures have not been cold enough to cause a change. Because temperatures have dropped the past few days, trees all around the region will begin changing colors from now on. Trees in mountain regions will be red in some places this weekend, but colors will still be in a between stage.

Next weekend will most likely be the perfect time to view maple leaves still on the trees in bright reds and yellows and greens. Wait one more week and the leaves will begin falling.

Based on weather last year, which was similar to this year, the last weekend before December was the best time to view Japanese maples. The first weekend of December was also a good time to view maple leaves, but by that time most of the leaves had already fallen. Only a few trees on the first weekend of December still had leaves on them. Still, it was beautiful!

Right now is that time!

As temperatures begin to fall, people are beginning to talk about momiji viewing. It will continue to be the hot topic here in Japan until the last autumn leaves have fallen.

What most people want to know is “Where and when to go?”

Many people go to parks, shrines and temples, while others go to the countryside. Momiji viewing is done individually, as a date with someone you love or as a group. Most people in Japan from now on will be talking about momiji.

Momiji will be the hot topic on this site until sometime in December, just before Christmas. So keep your eyes and ears open. You will find many great places to go momiji viewing, too.

Businesses throughout Japan have sought to help by sending supplies and workers to the effected region. People have cut power to their homes and businesses. Schools have even contributed by cutting power, turning off air conditioners and heaters, depending on temperatures outside. Likewise, businesses around Japan are turning off the A/C.

In order to help those working at companies choosing to switch off the coolers, business attire rules are being bent or changed.

Workers in Japan, depending on the companies, are being told they can come to work in shorts, Hawaiian shirts and sandals to combat the heat this summer. No more business suits, white shirts and ties! Men and women can go to work in casual attire and dress down in order to save power and do their part to help rebuild the Tohoku region of Japan.

For diehard hanami participants, the rain is actually a blessing. Wet grass and dirt deter many from leaving their homes, which means those who do venture out will not have to beat the crowds to popular cherry blossom places.

So if you are thinking that the rain tonight is going to spoil your cherry blossom viewing tomorrow, you might want to stick to your plan because the sun will come out tomorrow and you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be beautiful anywhere cherry blossoms are blooming.

Tomorrow blossoms will be mankai (fully bloomed) in most places around the Kansai region. Just don’t forget to take a sheet or chair to sit on if you plan to sit and admire the blossoms, or else you may need a change of clothes!

The cherry blossoms right now are at about 20 to 30% bloomed. Mountain and hillsides are turning a light shade of pink.

If you wish to see a mix of cherry blossoms and cherry blossom buds, now’s a good time to go. If you wish to see them in full-bloom, mankai, this weekend would be the best time to go.

For the past four days cities and towns up and down the Japan seaside have been getting snow.

The snow in Kyoto City (4cm) pales in comparison to the amount being dumped on the northern areas of Kyoto.

Current conditions for powder-skiing are ripe most anywhere in Japan!

Snowy Kamogawa

Locations - Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka

In front of Osaka City Hall, Miotsukushi Promenade road and surrounding area, Osaka Central Public Hall to Nakanoshima Park(Rose garden, Kensaki Park) and the north public square of Osaka Science Museum.

Osaka Hikari Renaissance

Dates – Saturday December 11 to Christmas Day, Saturday December 25, 2010

Hours – 17:00 – 22:00