Tokyo Photo News May 2012

As part of efforts for a modern-day revival of the vibrance of the Sumidagawa River in the Edo period, the Tokyo Hotaru Festival was held between Kototoibashi Bridge and Azumabashi Bridge along the river. Approximately 100,000 solar-powered Inoriboshi light-emitting diodes (LEDs) representing hotaru (fireflies) were released on to the river. Along with the reflection of Tokyo Skytree's illumination, the water's surface was bathed in blue light.

Photo: The lights as viewed from Sumida Park (May 6)

On May 21, an annular solar eclipse was visible from Tokyo for the first time in 173 years. Many spectators gathered on Azumabashi Bridge in Taito Ward from the early morning hours to view the eclipse alongside Tokyo Skytree, which was scheduled to open for business the following day. Although the weather was not clear, the clouds briefly parted to give those who had gathered a glimpse of the five-minute long heavenly show.

Photo: Viewing the annular solar eclipse near Azumabashi Bridge (May 21)

The Kanto Governors Association (made up of governors from the seven Kanto prefectures and Shizuoka, Nagano, and Yamanashi prefectures) held its regular meeting at a hotel in the village of Kitashiobara, Fukushima Prefecture on May 23. The governors adopted a resolution stating that Japan's recovery will not be complete without Fukushima's recovery, pledging to cooperate in providing strong support to the disaster-stricken areas. After the meeting, the participants visited Tsurugajyo Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu where a group photograph was taken. Fukushima Governor Yuhei Sato, who welcomed the 10 governors, expressed his thanks, remarking that "the resolution will provide tremendous support to the people of Fukushima and give them strength."

Photo: Governor Ishihara (front row, sixth from the left) and Fukushima Governor Yuhei Sato, to his right, with other Kanto Region governors (May 23)

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Bid Committee unveiled its Candidate City emblem on May 29, following Tokyo's selection at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting as one of three candidate cities for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Tsunekazu Takeda and Vice President Masato Mizuno attended the press conference joined by four young, next-generation athletes aiming for the 2020 Games, who spoke about their aspirations.

Photo: JOC President Tsunekazu Takeda (right), JOC Vice President Masato Mizuno (left) and four young athletes (May 29)