Yamagata Prefecture's Tsuruoka City "Matsugaoka Reclamation Site" Night Sakura Light-up Event "Samurai Silk Night ~ Yozakura ~" This Weekend, April 11-12!

The national historic site "Matsugaoka Reclamation Site," managed by the Matsugaoka Reclamation Site Management and Operation Council (Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, Representative: Makoto Hori), will hold a special light-up event "Samurai Silk Night ~ Yozakura ~" for two days, April 11 (Sat.) and April 12 (Sun.), 2026, to illuminate the cherry tree-lined avenue, over 100 years old, with live music and light. [Official SNS] https://www.instagram.com/samuraisilknight_info/

"Samurai Silk Night ~ Yozakura ~" is an experiential night sakura event set at the national historic site "Matsugaoka Reclamation Site," a lush land developed by Shonai feudal retainers after the Meiji Restoration. It features a light-up of the cherry tree-lined avenue, allowing visitors to enjoy sound, light, and food. For the two days of April 11 (Sat.) and April 12 (Sun.), in addition to the usual LED light-up, special performances will color the spring night: vibrant lights and projection mapping by the trending creative company in the Shonai area, AddWill Inc., and live music by the all-weather pop unit "Hibriz" to create an immersive night. Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture, where Matsugaoka Reclamation Site is located, developed as Japan's northernmost silk production area, triggered by the largest cluster of silkworm houses, pioneered by former Shonai feudal retainers who traded their swords for hoes. It is the only place in Japan where the entire process from silkworm cultivation to silk weaving remains intact. Matsugaoka Reclamation Site, consisting of five remaining silkworm houses, is registered as a National Historic Site. Its over 150-year history, spun by the sericulture industry, is certified as Japan Heritage "Samurai Silk." Furthermore, the cherry tree-lined avenue planted in commemoration of the reclamation is one of Tsuruoka City's leading cherry blossom viewing spots. The mystical space, adorned by atmospheric silkworm houses and grand cherry trees, will be a special place that can be experienced in connection with the culture of 'Haguro-sanbushi,' also registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.