A Guide to Japanese Fireworks and Major Fireworks Festivals | How to Enjoy Fireworks Festivals

When it comes to the quintessential symbols of Japanese summer, "fireworks festivals" are at the top of the list. In Nippon Professional Baseball's Pacific League, the Chiba Lotte Marines' "ZOZO Marine Stadium" and the Orix Buffaloes' "Hotto Motto Field Kobe" are ideal venues for fireworks as they are open-air stadiums without domes or roofs. However, since fireworks displays at each stadium only occur a few times per year, it might be worth checking out regional fireworks festivals throughout Japan, which are deeply connected to local history and community spirit.

This article provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the origins and types of Japanese fireworks, the appeal of major festivals, and tips for fully enjoying fireworks festivals, making it accessible even for first-time visitors.

Table of Contents

1. What is Japanese Hanabi (Fireworks)?

1-1. History of Japanese Fireworks
1-2. Types of Japanese Fireworks
1-3. Stadiums Where Fireworks Can Be Seen

2. Japan's Representative Fireworks Festivals

2-1. Sumida River Fireworks Festival
2-2. Omagari National Fireworks Competition
2-3. Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Display
2-4. Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition

3. How to Enjoy Japanese Fireworks Festivals

Summary

1. What is Japanese Hanabi (Fireworks)?

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Japanese fireworks are beloved by many as a symbol of summer. The beauty and power that illuminate the night sky represent one of Japan's traditional cultures, where unique technology and aesthetic sensibilities have come together. Beyond mere entertainment, they are deeply connected to regional festivals and historical events, maintaining a close relationship with Japanese spiritual culture.

1-1. History of Japanese Fireworks

The origins of fireworks in Japan date back to the Edo period. After the introduction of gunpowder and its development for military use, techniques for launching fireworks for entertainment and warding off evil spirits were established.
Particularly in Kyoho 18 (1733), fireworks were launched along the Sumida River to pray for the end of epidemics, which became the prototype for fireworks festivals as popular entertainment. Subsequently, craftsmen from various regions refined manufacturing techniques, adding diverse expressions in color and form.
From the Meiji era onward, advances in science and technology greatly improved both the safety and theatrical aspects of fireworks. Today, large-scale fireworks festivals are held throughout the country, and Japanese fireworks technology is highly regarded internationally.

1-2. Types of Japanese Fireworks

Japanese fireworks are broadly classified into the following three types based on their structure and blooming patterns.

・Warimono (Split Shells)

Characterized by opening in a spherical, round pattern, this is the most common type of aerial firework. Upon ignition, sparks spread evenly in a circular formation, requiring precise technique to accurately express the beauty of colors and patterns. Representative examples include "peony" and "chrysanthemum."

・Hanwarimono (Half-Split Shells)

Compared to warimono, the gunpowder is packed to half capacity, causing the firework to open in a biased direction. Rich in visual variation, it's often used for special effects and sound effects.

・Pokamono (Multi-Break Shells)

Fireworks that deploy various mechanisms after opening, allowing for dynamic presentations where stars change their flight patterns or colors and shapes transform mid-flight. Complex, high-level fireworks like "changing chrysanthemum" and "crown chrysanthemum" are also included in this category.

Fireworks are not merely decorations for the sky, but traditional art forms that reflect Japanese aesthetic sensibilities, seasonal awareness, and regional culture.

1-3. Stadiums Where Fireworks Can Be Seen

In Nippon Professional Baseball's Pacific League, the Chiba Lotte Marines' "ZOZO Marine Stadium" and the Orix Buffaloes' "Hotto Motto Field Kobe" are ideal venues for fireworks as they are open-air stadiums without domes or roofs.
However, fireworks displays at each stadium only occur a few times per year. Detailed fireworks launch dates can be confirmed on each team's official website. Japan also hosts regional fireworks festivals in various locations beyond stadiums. It might be worth checking out regional fireworks festivals throughout Japan, which are deeply connected to local history and community spirit.

2. Japan's Representative Fireworks Festivals

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Fireworks festivals held throughout Japan during summer are attractive for their unique presentations based on regional characteristics and history. Among them, nationally recognized festivals have earned high praise for their technical skill, scale, and viewing environment.
Here, we introduce several representative fireworks festivals where tradition and creativity merge, explaining the characteristics of each.

2-1. Sumida River Fireworks Festival

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is a traditional fireworks festival originating from the Edo period's "Ryogoku River Opening," representing a prestigious event in the Kanto region. In 1733, following a great famine and epidemic casualties, the shogunate held a Water God Festival for memorial services and to pray for the end of evil diseases. Restaurants around Ryogoku Bridge launched fireworks as part of this event, marking the beginning of this tradition.
The first venue features a competition among fireworks companies, where works representing the pinnacle of tradition and technique successively illuminate the night sky. Viewing fireworks alongside historic streetscapes offers a uniquely Japanese experience that combines visual beauty with cultural value.

2-2. Omagari National Fireworks Competition

The Omagari National Fireworks Competition is Japan's premier fireworks competition, attracting attention from both domestic and international audiences. Beginning in 1910 (Meiji 43) as entertainment for the Suwa Shrine festival called the "Ou Six Prefectures Fireworks Exhibition," it has over 100 years of history as a traditional competition.
The distinctive feature of this competition is that top-class fireworks artisans selected from across the nation compete with works showcasing the pinnacle of their technical skills. In the competition divisions, the highest honor of the Prime Minister's Award is presented, along with numerous other prizes, making it considered the gateway to success in the fireworks industry.
On the day of the competition, approximately 18,000 fireworks are launched, and visitors can experience the symphony of sound and light up close in an open venue set against the backdrop of the Dewa Hills. Special programs by the previous year's Prime Minister's Award winner and presentations by the organizers are also major highlights.

2-3. Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Display

The Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Display is counted among Japan's Three Great Fireworks Festivals as a large-scale fireworks display. The festival's origins trace back to the Nagaoka Air Raid of August 1, 1945. The year following the air raid that claimed many lives, the "Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival" was held with prayers for memorial services and reconstruction, becoming the origin of the current Nagaoka Festival.
From 1951 (Showa 26), it was officially renamed "Nagaoka Festival" and has continued as an event themed around memorial, reconstruction, and peace. The fireworks festival features the "Sho-Sanshakudama" with large rings approximately 650m in diameter spreading across the night sky, the "Reconstruction Prayer Fireworks Phoenix" spanning approximately 2km in launch width, and starmine displays synchronized with music, with about 20,000 fireworks launched from both banks of the Shinano River.

The light artistry painted across Nagaoka's sky brings deep emotion to viewers' hearts.

2-4. Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition

The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition is one of Japan's leading competitive fireworks festivals, beginning in Taisho 14 (1925), where fireworks companies from across the nation compete in technical skill. Despite interruption during wartime, it resumed in Showa 21 and is now held annually in November along the Sakura River. Being held during the autumn harvest season is also a distinctive feature of this festival.
The competition is divided into three categories: "Starmine Division," "10-inch Shell Division," and "Creative Fireworks Division," with starmine particularly considered the highlight competing for "Japan's best." The rapid-fire succession of diverse fireworks creates a spectacular sight that captivates audiences. Winners receive the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Director-General's Award, and Ibaraki Prefecture Governor's Award.
This festival, where advanced techniques and creativity converge, serves as both a prestigious stage for fireworks artisans and a major autumn event in Tsuchiura that enchants many visitors.

3. How to Enjoy Japanese Fireworks Festivals

Japanese fireworks festivals offer more than just watching light artistry bloom in the night sky—they're about experiencing the festival atmosphere with your whole being. First, participating while wearing the traditional garment "yukata" allows you to feel part of customs continuing from the Edo period. Many venues offer rental services nearby, so you can participate even empty-handed.
Also, food stalls are a staple of fireworks festivals. You can enjoy Japanese festival foods like takoyaki, yakisoba, and shaved ice, while also trying stall games like goldfish scooping and target shooting. Be sure to visit during the time before the fireworks launch.
And when magnificent fireworks bloom in the night sky, try calling out the traditional cheers "Tamaya!" and "Kagiya!" Don't be shy about participating—it will help you feel closer to Japanese fireworks culture. Please take time to thoroughly enjoy this quintessential symbol of Japanese summer.

Summary

Japanese fireworks are a traditional culture that has evolved from the Edo period to the present day, with their beauty and technical excellence earning high international recognition. Fireworks festivals are not merely viewing events but excellent opportunities to experience Japanese culture through participating in yukata, dining at food stalls, and traditional cheering. Through fireworks that color the summer night sky, please experience Japan's seasonal sensibilities and regional stories.

*This article was created based on information as of May 2025