One of the most popular summer traditions in Japan is fireworks(Hanabi), which are gorgeous yet somehow ephemeral and delicate. Fireworks(Hanabi), yukata (summer kimono), and food stalls at festivals make for a very lively summer evening in Japan. Originally used to ward off evil spirits, Japanese fireworks(Hanabi) have a long history and are still a summer tradition. During the summer vacation season, mainly in July and August, hundreds of fireworks (Hanabi)displays are held all over the country, attracting and thousands or ten of thousands of spectators. I would like to introduce the characteristics of fireworks(Hanabi) in Japan, their beginnings, and other fascinating aspects of fireworks(Hanabi).
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history of fireworks(Hanabi)

It is said that the history of fireworks(Hanabi) dates back to China around the 5th or 6th century. Initially, they were used as “signal fire,” but gradually they were improved as weapons to defeat enemies by using their destructive power. At the same time, the fireworks(Hanabi) were also improved as tools for entertainment and celebration, as the brilliant sparks attracted people to watch them. This is said to be the origin of the firework(Hanabi)s we can see today. Tokugawa Ieyasu and Date Masamune, warlords of the Sengoku period, are said to have been the first to see fireworks(Hanabi) for viewing in Japan.

Unique features of Japanese fireworks(Hanabi)

Whether it is a summer festival or the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, fireworks (Hanabi)are a part of the festivities. On Independence Day in the U.S. and the anniversary of the French Revolution, colorful fireworks(Hanabi) are set off to celebrate those days, and on New Year’s Eve, fireworks(Hanabi) light up the night sky in many major cities around the world. On the other hand, Japanese fireworks are said to have a different style from those in the West, as tens of thousands of fireworks(Hanabi) are set off continuously for about an hour, creating a spectacular sight. Japanese fireworks(Hanabi) vary in size from the smallest to the world’s largest 4-shaku-dama (1.2 meters in diameter and weighing several hundred kilograms). The most frequently used type is called a “star mine,” which is contained in a round ball that explodes in the sky to create various patterns. Other features of Japanese fireworks(Hanabi) include a type called “Niagara,” which resembles a waterfall, and unique fireworks(Hanabi) that draw shapes such as hearts, smile marks, and cartoon characters.

Japan’s three major fireworks(Hanabi) festivals

In Japan, there are three major fireworks(Hanabi) displays called the “Three Great Fireworks (Hanabi)Displays of Japan”. These are the National Fireworks(Hanabi) Competition Convention (Omagari fireworks) in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks(Hanabi) Show in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.

Japan’s highest competition, the city of fireworks, is proud of: “National Fireworks(Hanabi) Competition”

The National Fireworks(Hanabi) Competition Convention ,also known as “Omagari Fireworks(Hanabi)”, is held every year on the fourth Saturday of August at the Omogawa Riverside Sports Park in Omagari, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. With the National Firework(Hanabi)s Competition Convention in the summer at its core, the Omagari area is known as a “fireworks(Hanabi) town” where you can enjoy fireworks(Hanabi) all year round, as each season has fireworks(Hanabi) displays with a different theme. What makes this event different from other fireworks(Hanabi) festivals is that it is one of the top “competitions” in Japan, where skilled fireworks(Hanabi) creators come together and shoot off their own creations.There are three divisions: the “Daytime Fireworks(Hanabi) Division,” the only one of its kind in Japan, which uses colorful smoke to create patterns in the sky; the “10 go-dama(30cm in diameter) Division,” which requires perfect harmony and beauty; and the “Creative Fireworks(Hanabi) Division,” which competes with the free “creative fireworks(Hanabi)” that originated in this event. The best entries will be awarded the “Prime Minister’s Prize” and a number of other prizes.

“Tsuchiura National Fireworks(Hanabi) Competition” is an autumn festival to determine the best star mine in Japan.

The Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks(Hanabi) Competition, held on the first Saturday of October every year on the Sakuragawa riverbed in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of the few fireworks(Hanabi) displays held in autumn in Japan It is the only one of the Three Great Fireworks(Hanabi) Displays of Japan to be held in the Kanto area, and because of its convenient transportation, it attracts about 800,000 spectators every year. There are three categories of competition fireworks(Hanabi): the “10 go-dama” category, where you can enjoy the traditional beauty of fireworks(Hanabi), the “Creative Fireworks(Hanabi)” category, where you can compete with your innovative ideas, and the “Star mine” category, where the power of rapid-fire fireworks(Hanabi) is the highlight. In addition to the prizes for each category, the Prime Minister’s Prize, which is the main goal of the fireworks(Hanabi) designers, will be awarded to the best of the three categories.

Nagaoka Festival Fireworks(Hanabi) Festival, a symbol of peace and reconstruction, visited by over 1 million people

Of the three major fireworks(Hanabi) festivals in Japan, the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks(Hanabi) Show is the only one that is not a competition. The origins of the festival itself are ancient, with its predecessor being the “Nagaoka Recovery Festival” held on August 1, 1946 to pray for recovery from the air raids on Nagaoka. The scale of the fireworks(Hanabi) display, which is held as a memorial to those who died in the war, to express gratitude to those who made efforts for recovery, and to wish for world peace, has been expanding every year, and has become one of the Three Great Fireworks(Hanabi) Displays of Japan, attracting more than one million spectators over two days.

Enjoy the festival atmosphere at the food stalls

The fireworks(Hanabi) themselves are fascinating, but one of the great things about fireworks (Hanabi)festivals is that you can also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the festival. You can enjoy the people in yukata, the lively streets lined with food stalls, and the beautiful scenery of old Japan.

Useful things to bring to a fireworks(Hanabi) display

Festivals attract a lot of people, and it can be difficult to go to the store to buy the things you need in a crowded place. Here are some useful items to bring so that you don’t have to say “I should have brought this ……”. (1) Picnic sheet

A picnic sheet is a must-have item to take a place to watch the fireworks(Hanabi), and also to spread out on the grass to relax. These days, there are many compact and lightweight sheets available. (2) hand fan

It is recommended to bring a hand fan with you, as the crowds will feel hotter than the temperature on a summer day when there is no wind. (3) Sunscreen

If you don’t want to burn your skin, apply sunscreen frequently because the evening sun is stronger than you think. (4) Band-Aids

A band-aid is useful in case you get a sore shoe from an unfamiliar geta strap. (5) Bug spray

The area around the festival site is often surrounded by greenery, and mosquitoes may bite you. (6) Lights

This is useful when walking along the riverbed of a fireworks(Hanabi) festival. (7)Battery-powered cell phone chargers

There are no electrical outlets at the festival site. (8) Wet wipes

Refresh your body after sweating. (9) Garbage bags

After watching the fireworks(Hanabi), put your trash in a bag and take it home.

Clothes to wear to a fireworks(Hanabi) display

There are no rules about what to wear to a fireworks(Hanabi) display, but many Japanese people enjoy wearing yukata.The only time to wear a yukata in Japan is during these fireworks(Hanabi) displays and festivals, so it is a good idea to take the opportunity to wear a yukata, a summer tradition. You can wear your normal clothes, but you may have to walk a lot at the event, and you may have to stand for a long time while waiting, so it is better to wear shoes that you are familiar with or shoes with low heels.

place to watch fireworks(Hanabi)

At each fireworks(Hanabi) display site, there are free viewing areas and paid viewing areas. In order to see the fireworks (Hanabi)in the free area, you need to get your place early. In general, the competition for a good view of the fireworks(Hanabi) can be tough in some cases. Some people even start getting their places hours in advance to get a good view.The competition is especially fierce for fireworks(Hanabi) displays held in urban areas, where not only are there many people, but also large buildings that limit the view of the fireworks(Hanabi). On the other hand there is no need to take up a space in a paid viewing area. You will need to make a reservation in advance, but you will be able to enjoy the fireworks(Hanabi) more comfortably. Some travel agencies offer tours that include transportation, lodging, and paid viewing seats, so it is a good idea to take advantage of these plans.

Enjoy Japan’s summer fireworks(Hanabi)

Fireworks(Hanabi) can be called the art of the moment. They have developed in a unique way that is different from the way fireworks(Hanabi) are displayed in the West, and have attracted many people by lighting up the summer night sky. Fireworks(Hanabi) festivals are a place where you can fully enjoy many aspects of Japanese culture such as festivals, food stalls, and yukata. Why don’t you come and enjoy the Japanese fireworks(Hanabi)?