The "LIGHT UP NIPPON" project held at 10 diaster-stricken areas in Tohoku region was initiated for those who suffered from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The events occurred concurrently on August 11, 2011, exactly five months after the disaster struck. Yoshitake Takada, a young businessman who had spent his graduate school years in Otsuchi Town in Iwate Prefecture, came up with the idea of launching thousands of fireworks in Tohoku to commemorate the victims and help continue local tradition after he heard the news that many fireworks events had been cancelled throughout the country. Young volunteers from various organizations in Tokyo gathered to help him raising donations, finding sponsors, and visiting the disaster-stricken areas on many occasions to build trust with local citizens. The effort culminated in a series of simultaneous fireworks displays at the 10 locations.

This event will include a screening of a documentary about the challenges faced in implementing the fireworks project and a discussion among key members of the LIGHT UP NIPPON Committee and young leaders from India.