Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture to Light Up Landmarks in Blue for World Refugee Day

Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, is collaborating with UNHCR (the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) to carry out refugee support initiatives within the scope of municipal capabilities.

June 20 is designated by the United Nations as "World Refugee Day," a day to express solidarity with people who have been forced to flee their homes. UNHCR is calling for awareness-raising activities across Japan. In cooperation with landmarks nationwide, Setouchi City will illuminate three local landmarks in UNHCR blue, and we are pleased to announce this initiative.

Photo: The three-story pagoda at Yokei-ji Temple on Kamidera Mountain (2025)

Background and Purpose

June 20 is "World Refugee Day," established by the United Nations.

This day serves to show solidarity with people displaced by conflict and persecution and to reflect on the importance of supporting them.

Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture, will illuminate three local landmarks in UNHCR blue as a symbolic act representing this shared aspiration.

The UNHCR blue color embodies a strong desire for peace and empathy for those facing hardship.

We hope this blue light will spark greater awareness of refugee issues and help expand circles of empathy and support.

Together, let's light a beacon of hope for the future.

Details of the Illumination

Location

Period

Lighting Hours

Okayama Murata Manufacturing

June 18 (Thu) – June 20 (Sat)

18:30 – 21:00

(Illuminating the north side of the building)

Kamidera Yokei-ji Temple

June 17 (Wed) – June 20 (Sat)

19:00 – 21:00

(Illuminating the three-story pagoda)

Japan's Number One Dagashi Shop

June 20 (Sat)

19:00 – 23:00

About UNHCR (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a United Nations agency that protects and supports refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals. It operates in approximately 135 countries worldwide. UNHCR was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1954 and 1981.

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

For more information about UNHCR:

UNHCR Official Website

About World Refugee Day

"World Refugee Day" was established by a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly in December 2000. It aims to raise awareness about refugee protection and support and to deepen understanding of various support activities carried out globally by actors (governments, international organizations, NGOs, private companies, municipalities, individuals, etc.) collaborating with UNHCR.

For more information about World Refugee Day:

UNHCR Official Website