The Lantern Festival in Japan involves floating illuminated lanterns on rivers as a way to honor ancestral spirits. This poignant ritual, often observed during the Bon Festival, reflects deep cultural beliefs surrounding death and remembrance. Families create lanterns to guide their loved ones' spirits back to the afterlife, transforming rivers into glowing pathways of light. The festival serves as a significant time for reflection, family reunions, and the reaffirmation of cultural heritage.