Japan’s ‘Firework’s Festival’ Proves Their Fireworks Game is on a Whole New Level
All architecture is great architecture after sunset; perhaps the architecture is really a nocturnal art, like the art of firework.
Firework displays are enjoyed at major gatherings and events such as an annual celebration in Japan called Hanabi Taikai, which means Fireworks Festival.
The annual Akagawa Fireworks Festival, which was held in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture on Aug. 18, saw thousands of spectators flock into the city to watch the jaw-dropping pyrotechnics that lit up the dark summer sky.One noteworthy fireworks display featured at the festival was made possible by manufacturer Marugo from Yamanashi Prefecture.
The company managed to attract thousands of new fans thanks to its specialty luminescence-style fireworks, or jikansa hakkou shiki hanabi in Japanese, according to soranews.
Meanwhile, netizens were amazed by Marugo’s fireworks display:
“It looks like they have LEDs inside them.”
“I went to the Akagawa Fireworks Festival a few years back, but I didn’t see these then…going to have to make a point of going next time!”
“It’s like there was an update for fireworks.”
“You can also see them at the Shinmei Fireworks Festival in Nagano, where Marugo is based.”
Another spectacle worth mentioning is the fireworks from Tamuraenka, a manufacturer from Chino, Nagano Prefecture, whose “Moving Star” shows the shape of a star in the middle.
Here’s the full grand finale performance of the firework that represents the Japanese art and architectural talent
Fireworks are set off every night in a hot springs resort
This fireworks show, in which fireworks are set off every night for as long as 6 months, has the longest running length in Japan. Since fireworks are set off from a boat moving across Lake Toya, the fireworks can be viewed from anywhere in the Lake Toya hot springs resort. How about enjoying the Japanese summer by viewing fireworks from an open-air bath or the window of a Japanese inn?
Selected pyrotechnicians compete against each other with their skills
“Omagari Fireworks” is a fireworks competition in which pyrotechnicians selected from across Japan set off their fireworks by themselves, and it is positioned as a top-level fireworks competition in Japan.
The overall champion will receive the Prime Minister Prize. It is spectacular to see the creations that the pyrotechnicians have made with all their might exploding in the sky one after another.
You can still catch a fireworks show even if summer has passed!
This is an open entry fireworks competition, counted among the three largest fireworks festivals in Japan. The competition consists of three departments: Starmine, 12 inch shells and Creative Fireworks, and the overall champion will receive the Prime Minister Prize.
The competition is held on the first Saturday of October each year. It is one of the rare fireworks shows throughout Japan that are held in fall.
A signature summer event of Tokyo for 280 years
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is a fireworks festival with a long history, being a successor to the “Ryogoku Kawabiraki Fireworks” festival that began in 1733, and it is loved by many people as a signature Tokyo summer event.
Since the festival has an expected annual attendance of nearly a million people, fireworks are set off from two locations. There are sightseeing spots such as Sensoji temple and Tokyo Sky Tree near the festival site.
Large-scale and popular fireworks festivals attract many people and become crowded. To enjoy fireworks displays, it is important to leave home early to secure a viewing spot. Be sure to bring a folding fan or drinks to fight the heat! In addition, there are often yatai food stands near fireworks sites.
If you stroll around the area before the start of the fireworks, you can eat “Kakigori”, finely shaved ice with syrup, or enjoy “kingyo sukui”, in which you scoop goldfish swimming in a water tank. Also, don’t forget to wear “yukata”, a casual traditional Japanese garment, to enhance your mood!
