灯籠流し (tōrō nagashi) is a traditional Japanese ceremony where floating lanterns are released on water to honor the spirits of the deceased. This event typically takes place during the お盆 (Obon) festival, a time when families remember and pay respects to their ancestors. The lanterns, often made of paper and wood, symbolize guiding the spirits back to their resting places. Participants write messages or prayers on the lanterns before setting them afloat on rivers, lakes, or the sea. The sight of these glowing lanterns drifting away creates a serene and reflective atmosphere, fostering a sense of connection between the living and the departed.