It's summer, and the fireworks will fuse in Japan

2019年 08月06日


Every year, between July and August, the great tradition of Hanabi in Japan illuminates the sky during several nights of summer. So, what is Hanabi concretely?
Typical scene of fireworks in summer
 
Hanabi (花火) literally means "Flowers of fire", but it would simply be translated in English as "fireworks". The tradition begins in Japan when, in the early 17th century, according to historical sources, a Chinese merchant reportedly presented to the famous Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu fireworks to distract an English guest. The fireworks then became more and more popular in the Edo period until 1732 when the Shogun in place decided to make it a tribute festival to the dead along the Sumida River. This is believed to be the beginning of the Sumida Hanabi Taikai (隅田川花火大会), or more simply the great fireworks festival at Sumidagawa.
The Sumidagawa fireworks and the Tokyo Tower
 

Thousands of Tokyo inhabitants gather each year on the last Saturday of July (27th of July this year) to admire the unique beauty of the fireworks. It is also the perfect occasion for many people to wear the traditional clothing, Yukata (summer kimono), which make the event even more typical. The festival being a competition between many Hanabi artificers, each show has its own beauty, so it is for every taste. 

Although the festival takes place near Sumida-gawa river, it became popular in the entire country and inspired many other festivals in Japan. Therefore, wherever you might be in Japan this summer; there must be a hanabi festival nearby !

Biwako lake firework
 
Followings are the most famous ones:

The Omagari Festival (Akita Prefecture):

Very famous in Japan, this festival is a competition between the most talented pyrotechnicians in the country. It takes place every year towards the end of August. As the festival is extremely popular, we recommend that you arrive early in order to be well placed.
The Omagari festival

The Miyajima Fireworks Festival (Hiroshima Prefecture):

The island, already famous for its temples that seems to float on the water, welcomes every year in late August, this year on the 24th, an incredible fireworks festival. Indeed, the fires are shot from the sea and create an incredible landscape with the famous red gate that rises at the entrance of the island. The festival being popular, the prefecture sets up more ferry than usual for the occasion.

Some fireworks are fired at the water's edge in Miyajima

The fireworks festival of Naniwa Yodogawa (Osaka):

This festival, which was first created around thirty years ago by a few volunteers, is now one of the big events in Osaka city. Located along the Yodogawa River, as well as the festivals mentioned above, it is strongly advised to arrive early to be able to have a place along the river. The festival will take place on August 10 this year from 19:30.

The colorful lights of Naniwa Yodogawa

Nagaoka Matsuri (Niigata Prefecture):

Another very famous festival in Japan, it is part of the ancient events that had disappeared and were resurrected after World War II. In addition to the fireworks, many food stands of typical snacks are installed in the city for the occasion, a chance to enjoy delicious kebabs or yakisoba (fried noodles). This year the festival will take place on August 2nd and 3rd.

A scene from Nagaoka Matsuri
 


Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival (Nagano Prefecture):

Famous in Japan for being the festival with the most explosions of fireworks, it was created after World War II to warm the hearts of the Japanese. The event is even more impressive as with the mountains surrounding the lake, a strong echo resounds with each explosion. The festival will be held on August 15th this summer.

The fireworks are reflected on Lake Suwa