Sano City to host 50th Tanuma Furusato Festival

The 50th Tanuma Furusato Festival is scheduled to take place on October 25, 2026, at the Sano City International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture. As one of Sano City’s three major festivals, this milestone edition will feature a sky lantern launch as its grand finale.

Organizers are currently recruiting participants for the sky lantern event. Lanterns are available for 2,500 yen each, with a limit of 500 units. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, participants will have access to a “W Chance” lottery for special prizes in addition to the standard lantern lottery. While the launch is the main attraction, viewing the event is free for the public.

The festival program includes a special cricket demonstration match between the Japan national cricket team and the local club, Sano Bulls, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Other activities include an opening ceremony, a lottery, and a Halloween-themed promotion where visitors in costume can receive gifts. In the event of inclement weather, the sky lantern launch will be postponed to November 3.