Photo/Illutration Visitors row boats through lanterns floating on the Chidorigafuchi moat in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward on July 30 during an annual event where participants write and share their wishes on paper lanterns. (Joichi Tateiwa)

Hundreds of glowing lanterns floated across Chidorigafuchi moat in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on July 30 as part of a summer tradition to send off wishes and prayers into the tranquil waters.

The lantern floating event, known as "Toro Nagashi," takes place over the final two evenings of July and features 2,000 paper lamps.

Set against the dark waters near the Imperial Palace, each lantern casts a soft glow as it carries personal messages written by participants.

“I wish for world peace,” wrote Natsuki Seto, 30, from Kanagawa Prefecture.

Daiki Wada, 22, who traveled from Chiba Prefecture, penned a message for his ailing grandmother.

“I just want her to get better soon,” he said.

Visitors could watch the spectacle from paths along Chidorigafuchi Green Way and Kudanzaka Park.

Tickets to participate, either to float a lantern from shore or ride a boat to do so, sold out in advance.

“We hope to see all kinds of wishes written on the lanterns,” said Masahiro Takahashi, an official from Chiyoda Ward that organizes the event. “If watching the lanterns helps someone feel hopeful for tomorrow, we’ve done our job.”

The summer tradition began in 1958 to foster community engagement and boost tourism. Last year’s event attracted 8,000 spectators.

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