Japan: Contribution of Bamboo Cylinders for Bamboo Lanterns for the January 17 Gathering as Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Event
Bamboo lanterns lit for the January 17 Gathering
On December 14, 2024, approximately 70 employees, retirees, and labor union members from the Panasonic Group gathered at Unitopia Sasayama (Tamba-Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture) to create 117 bamboo lantern cylinders for the January 17 Gathering memorial event marking the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
This annual event has been held since 1998, led by Kobe City and local NPOs, to remember the victims of the 1995 earthquake and to pass down the spirit of bonds and mutual support that emerged from the disaster.
Panasonic Group's participation began in 2001, when former employees joined as part of bamboo forest conservation activities.
Since 2007, the initiative has continued under the Panasonic ECO RELAY JAPAN program, involving employees, labor unions, and the retiree association.
This fiscal year around 70 participants joined the effort, including employees from the Manufacturing College of the Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Panasonic Corporation, as well as members of Panasonic Shoaikai and the labor union.
Using bamboo thinned from local forests near Unitopia Sasayama, participants crafted bamboo lantern cylinders to hold candles, inscribing on them messages such as "Love" and "Bonds."
The handcrafted bamboo lanterns were donated to the 2025 January 17 Gathering, marking the 30th anniversary of the disaster. They were displayed at the East Park in Chuo Ward, Kobe City, a place of hope and remembrance.
Making bamboo cylinders for bamboo lanterns
