On November 14, "World Diabetes Day" established by the United Nations, Hikone Castle tower, a National Treasure, in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, was illuminated in blue, which is the symbolic color of the day.

In order to raise awareness of diabetes and increase knowledge of prevention and treatment, the illumination event was started in 2007 across the country. This year, events were held at approximately 90 venues, including Toji's five-story pagoda in Kyoto City. In Shiga Prefecture, the precincts of Eigen-ji Temple, in Higashi Omi City, were also lit up for the first time like Hikone Castle.

At around 5:40 p.m., the blue-hued tower of Hikone Castle, whose color is an image of the blue sky and is the symbolic color of United Nations, emerged from darkness into the night sky.

There are approximately 285 million patients who suffer from diabetes worldwide. It is said about 22 million people in Japan are afflicted or at risk for diabetes.