Dialogue in the Dark Presents 'PEACE IN THE DARK 2026' in Tokyo's Takeshiba, Inviting Visitors to Experience Peace in Complete Darkness Starting July 4

Dialogue Japan Society, a nonprofit organization promoting social entertainment programs (Minato City, Tokyo; CEO: Kiyoe Shimura), will host Dialogue in the Dark 'PEACE IN THE DARK 2026' from Saturday, July 4, 2026, to Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Dialogue Diversity Museum 'Forest of Dialogue' in Takeshiba, Tokyo. Ticket sales for Part 1: 'Festival' have now begun.

URL: https://peaceinthedark2026.studio.site

'Dialogue in the Dark' is a social entertainment experience where participants, guided by visually impaired facilitators, explore senses other than sight—such as hearing, touch, and smell—in a space of '100% pure darkness' with all light completely blocked out.

'PEACE IN THE DARK' was first launched last summer in Hiroshima and Tokyo as part of the 80th-anniversary commemoration of the atomic bombing, attracting over 2,700 participants. This year, in addition to the highly acclaimed 'Hiroshima 1945,' a new program themed around 'Festival' will be introduced.

Through the dual themes of festivals—traditions people have preserved even in difficult times—and Hiroshima in 1945, the experience aims to deepen visitors’ understanding of human connection, prayer, and memory.

◾️ Program Details

【Part 1: 'Festival'】

Dates: July 4 (Sat) – July 26 (Sun), 2026 ※Tickets on sale now

The experience begins in darkness with the sound of wooden clappers, as festival stalls appear around you. At these pitch-black stalls, sweets from various countries—including Japan, the United States, China, South Korea, Israel, and Russia—are sold. Visitors chat while exploring the origins of these treats. Later, participants move into a Bon dance area, immersing themselves in music and dance, reliving the communal spirit of festivals where people gather, pray, and share hopes.

【Part 2: 'Hiroshima 1945'】

Dates: August 1 (Sat) – August 30 (Sun), 2026 ※Tickets expected to go on sale around July 10 via the official website

What could we bring back if we could travel in thought to Hiroshima in 1945? Board a train and journey to Hiroshima 81 years in the past. By experiencing the daily lives and rhythms of people who lived in that era, participants reflect on the connections between past, present, and future. This program received widespread acclaim last year.

【Collaborative Events: Picture Book Exhibition, Photo Exhibition, and 'PEACE CAFE']

Throughout the event period, exhibitions of peace-themed picture books and photographs, as well as film screenings, will be held (details to be announced on the official website). Additionally, 'PEACE CAFE' will open as a free space for conversation and connection—open to all, regardless of participation in the main experience—where visitors can enjoy coffee and meaningful dialogue.

◾️ Message from Part 1: 'Festival'

Festivals have existed since ancient times in Japan.

They were held with gods, Buddha, and nature.

There were festivals to pray for good harvests.

There were festivals to express gratitude.

Festivals were held in times of hardship.

Festivals followed even after despair.

This year, let’s celebrate peace through festival in 'Peace in the Dark'!

◾️ Background: 'Where does peace come from?'

Last year, 'PEACE IN THE DARK 2025,' held in Hiroshima and Tokyo to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing and the end of war, received heartfelt responses from many participants.

'I remembered my family.'

'I cooperated with strangers.'

'I felt I wanted to cherish someone.'

These voices revealed how dialogue in darkness can move hearts and spark small but meaningful changes. That is why we have decided to continue this program.

Now, in its 81st year, we are asking the question again.

Rather than reflecting only at milestone moments, shouldn’t we continue asking this question beyond them? That may be what this era demands.

In a world where divisions and conflicts are deepening, we believe it is especially important this year to turn our attention to 'festivals'—a tradition long cherished by people across cultures.

Festivals have been passed down across nations and regions, connecting people’s prayers and hopes. Even in difficult times, people never abandoned festivals. After grief, after disasters, people gathered to hope for tomorrow.

Perhaps festivals were acts of connection—moments where people came together to share prayers and wishes.

'Where does peace come from?'

Like festivals, perhaps one answer lies in 'dialogue within a 5-meter radius.'

Meeting people with different environments, experiences, historical backgrounds, and values—listening carefully, imagining, and talking. Perhaps it is through the accumulation of such dialogues that trust between people grows, forming the foundation of our everyday lives.

This year’s 'PEACE IN THE DARK' will confront this question through two programs: 'Festival' and 'Hiroshima 1945.'

◾️ 'PEACE IN THE DARK 2026' Program and Event Overview

Event Period: July 4 (Sat) – August 30 (Sun), 2026 【Part 1: Festival】July 4 (Sat) – July 26 (Sun), 2026 【Part 2: Hiroshima 1945】August 1 (Sat) – August 30 (Sun), 2026 Venue: Dialogue Diversity Museum 'Forest of Dialogue' (1-10-45 Kaigan, Minato City, Tokyo, 1F Atore Takeshiba Theater Building) https://maps.app.goo.gl/gBBAfXjmVUeTST4z7 Experience Duration: Approx. 100 minutes Admission Fee: Adults 4,950 JPY, Students 2,750 JPY (tax included) ※Participants who experience both programs will receive a souvenir gift Reservation: Advance online booking required Ticket Page: https://taiwanomori.dialogue.or.jp/did-ticket/ Special Sponsors: Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., East Japan Railway Company Sponsors: Shimizu Corporation, Nittetsu Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd.

◾️ Last Year’s Impact

In summer 2025, 'PEACE IN THE DARK 2025' was launched for the first time at the former Bank of Japan Hiroshima Branch and in Takeshiba, Tokyo, as part of the 80th-anniversary commemoration of the atomic bombing. It attracted 2,778 participants and achieved a visitor satisfaction rate of 98.4%. The event received extensive media coverage domestically and internationally, gaining attention as a 'new social approach adding “Peace” to ESG'. Special Website: https://did.dialogue.or.jp/hiroshima80/

Participant Feedback: 'Just like strangers helping each other in the dark, I realized that mutual support is the shortest path to peace.'

'I understood that increasing the number of people you love leads to peace—cherish the person next to you.'

【About Dialogue in the Dark】

A social entertainment experience where visually impaired guides lead participants through '100% pure darkness'—a space completely isolated from light—to enjoy senses beyond sight and deepen communication. Conceived in 1988 by German philosopher Dr. Andreas Heinecke, it has been held in around 50 countries and experienced by over 9 million people worldwide. In Japan, more than 300,000 people have participated since its first run in November 1999.