Today, the Christmas lights were switched on for the first time. Much like
in cities of other countries, there was a formal ceremony to mark the
occasion. This very Japanese ceremony, however, was notable for its lack
of celebrity: in its place was a string of the city's male elders representing
various, much-resepected public and private institutions. All very
serious.

Thank you to Jordi Vázquez and Isa Cruz for entering the Howaito
Irumination ("White Illumination") competition.