Japanese fireworks create a beautiful spherical shape by using a bursting charge at the center of the shell, which propels stars (small pellets of explosive material) in all directions to form a flower-like pattern. In contrast, foreign fireworks typically use a cylindrical design where one end cap is removed to release the contents.
Japanese fireworks technology is considered the best in the world, and its most notable feature is the beautiful spherical shape seen when the fireworks are launched. This is achieved through the advanced skills of Japanese pyrotechnicians, who meticulously calculate the direction in which the explosive material will be expelled and then manually pack the explosive material into the fireworks shell in a perfect circle. This precise handwork and calculation are what create the beauty of Japanese fireworks that is highly acclaimed worldwide.
Each individual firework has its own name and meaning. These fireworks are crafted with the artisans’ heartfelt intentions.
We invite you to come to Japan and experience these beautiful fireworks firsthand.
We have included links to the official websites of each region, so please check them out.
National Fireworks Competition
National Fireworks Competition
“The Omagari Fireworks” is a representative fireworks festival of Japan, held annually in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, every August. Its origins date back to 1910 (Meiji 43), when it began as the “Okunai Six Prefectures Fireworks Competition” held as a side event for the Suwa Shrine festival. This event boasts over 100 years of history and is now known as a national fireworks competition where pyrotechnicians from all over Japan compete.
The “Shin-Iri Warimono” category in the night fireworks section refers to a type of chrysanthemum-shaped fireworks that form perfect concentric circles. In the competition, fireworks that create four or more concentric circles are evaluated. The ideal Shin-Iri Warimono is one where the launched fireworks shell reaches its highest point, blooms into a perfect circle, and then changes while disappearing all at once.
official cite：https://www.oomagari-hanabi.com/
Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition
Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition
The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition is one of the largest fireworks competitions in Japan, held annually in October in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The highlight of this event is the high level of technical skill displayed by the pyrotechnicians. Firework artists from all over Japan gather to compete and showcase their skills in three categories: “Starmine,” “10-inch shells,” and “Creative Fireworks.”
One of the most noteworthy features is the “10-inch shells.” The term “10-inch” refers to the size of the firework, with a shell diameter of 30 cm that is launched 330 meters into the air, creating a magnificent 300-meter-wide bloom. These grand fireworks are incredibly impressive even when viewed individually and have long been a classic, honed by many craftsmen over the years.
Starmine refers to a series of fireworks launched in rapid succession, creating a rhythmic display. Creative Fireworks, on the other hand, showcase the ingenuity and originality of the pyrotechnicians, often leaving the audience in awe.
The event lasts approximately 150 minutes, during which around 20,000 fireworks light up the night sky. Additionally, after the competition, there are extra fireworks displays, ensuring that spectators leave thoroughly satisfied.
We invite you to experience this wonderful fireworks festival in person. Links to the official websites of each region are included, so please check them out.
official cite：https://www.tsuchiura-hanabi.jp/
Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks
Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks
One of the main features of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is the size of the fireworks shells, which are significantly larger compared to typical fireworks festivals. The standard size for Nagaoka fireworks is 10-inch shells (approximately 30 cm in diameter) or larger. In contrast, at most typical fireworks festivals, the standard size ranges from 2.5-inch shells (approximately 7.5 cm in diameter) to 5-inch shells (approximately 15 cm in diameter).
Moreover, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival boasts one of the largest launch sites in the country. This vast space allows for the display of massive fireworks that can’t be fully captured within the field of vision, including the “Reconstruction Prayer Fireworks Phoenix,” which spans approximately 2 kilometers in width. The continuous launch of such large-scale fireworks that fill the night sky is a major attraction of the festival.
We invite you to experience the magnificence of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in person. For more details, please check the official website.
official cite：https://nagaokamatsuri.com/
