Each June, Shinagawa Ward bursts into color as Lily Appreciation Love Week kicks off at Samezu Irie Square. This year’s event will showcase thousands of lilies in full bloom, combining community, nature, and local pride.
The lilies are lovingly tended by an army of local volunteers, including neighborhood associations, schoolchildren, and residents. The tradition began in 2017 when Sakai City in Fukui Prefecture, known for its lilies, gifted 500 bulbs to Shinagawa. Since then, the collaboration between the two regions has grown, with more bulbs and stronger community ties each year.
Over the years, the flowerbeds at Samezu Irie Square have expanded to welcome thousands of lilies in vibrant varieties. This year's 20,000-strong bloom promises to be the biggest yet, offering a beautiful early-summer experience for visitors.
In addition to the flowers, festivities will include food stalls, local product exhibitions, family-friendly workshops, and live stage performances. These events aim to bring people together through shared appreciation for the lilies and the effort behind them.
