Occupying a quarter Full private region leveraging the Lab’s Land Capacity bonus, lies the realm of the Naughty Panda, created by Alice Embervale (Alice Sakura) and her SL partner, Krow Embervale (Poetic Doll). From now through until January 4th, 2026, the setting is home to Return to the Light, a Japanese-inspired celebration of the Winter Solstice.
Called Toji (冬至) in Japanese, the solstice is one of Nijushi-sekki – the 24 divisions of the solar year. Occurring around December 22nd at ecliptic longitude 270o, it refers to a period between the day and the beginning of the following sekki called shokan (the lesser cold season). It is the shortest day and longest night of the year, with the lowest culmination altitude of the sun, in the northern hemisphere.
Within Return to the Light, visitors are invited to take a lantern and follow a winter mountain walk. Along the path, guardians mark the way, offering information on the season, together with a riddle that leads to the next of their kind.
Thus, those travelling the route learn about the legend of Toji, solve a challenge and receive a special gift. Afterwards, there is the chance to relax in warm yuzu-infused hot springs and enjoy a shared feast in a peaceful courtyard setting. Yuzu is a citrus fruit, and it is said in Japan that taking yuzu-yu (a yuzu citron bath) is part of the traditions of the day, as is eating Toji-gayu (winter solstice rice gruel).
Whilst referred to as a quest, Return to the Light is not intended to be a race or in any way competitive. Rather, it is a personal journey, a reflection of the passage of life as we move through the depths of winter and towards the return of the light and warmth of the Sun. As such, it should be approached gently, with consideration and an openness to discovery and learning.
The Landing Point for the setting doubles as the starting point for the quest. It is here that visitors can collect their lantern and read instructions on starting the quest along the path to reach the kitsune temple.
But before starting, I would recommend – as per the introductory notes provided with the lantern – the setting should be experienced using the local environment settings and the custom audio stream. The latter’s music will not only soothe, but encourage you to take your time and appreciate the quest and the setting all the more.
Five stone Jizo – little carvings of a bodhisattva – form the aforementioned guardians along the route. Jizo is (in the simplest terms) the protector of all souls on their journey through life and reincarnation. Here, the little statues serve as the means to impart the story of Toji and its significance in Japanese tradition, before passing on a short riddle in which lies the clue to finding the next Jizo.
On reaching the shrine, visitors should hand over their lantern to hear the words of the wise kitsune – but do note, there are no shortcuts; wisdom only comes by following the path from point to point. After Kitsune has spoken, visitors are asked a five question challenge before a gift is given, and the journey can be taken back to the landing point.
Returning to the lowlands will bring visitors to a series of building built around a large onsen pool. Here is where the feast mentioned in the setting’s notes might be found, and – on December 18th, it will host a solstice music event commencing at 13:00 SLT and continuing through until 18:00.
Small, engaging and with a wealth of easy learning to be had, Naughty Panda’s Return of the Light is a genuinely unique take on the time of year, and well worth a visit.
SLurl Details
- The Naughty Panda Return of the Light (Mattawan, rated Moderate)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 