Summer is the season of fireworks! There are hundreds of hanabi (flowers of fire) festivals throughout the country, usually between July and August. Pyrotechnicians from the Japan’s top fireworks firms compete technique, creativity and beauty.
Japanese fireworks are shoot up in the sky in a very regular sphere shape that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Japanese fireworks are called “starry” meaning there are 3 or 4 layers of star so when it is shot the firework spreads while changing the color. There is no such complicated structure in other countries fireworks. Most of them give only one color at a time. Color changing of fireworks also shows Japanese high technique. Japan-made fireworks are admired all over the world for their safety and high quality. Born and raised in Japan, I did not really appreciate this characteristic until I had a chance to watch one TV program where they had a competition by pyrotechnicians from different coutries. Although Japanese fireworks make a big sound when it is shot, there is a special calm beauty, peaceful unity and conformity with all fires forming a regular round formation. Maybe that’s a kind of “WA” concept in Japan.
There are a lot of local tips as to how you can best enjoy Hanabi in Japan. To attend these fireworks, you need to prepare for extreme crowds, more or less disciplined, and to gear up with: drinks (if possible alcoholic one if you are more than 20 years old), a yukata (the cotton version of the kimono), geta (the Japanese beach sandals), a fan, a camera and some friends. You can find some best viewing spots such as Fireworks dinner: “Tokyo Bay Fireworks – HANABI Special buffet Dinner or book a Yakatabune, perfect for watching Hanabi. Deep Japan Senpai provides a lot more advices to enjoy this absolutely orgiastic festivity here!
Do not miss the great opportunity to enjoy one of the greatest Japanese culture in season!
**Deep Japan is a brand new website venture to help visitors to Japan experience all the fun, culture and excitement of Japan’s “local” side. We currently have 451 long term residents registered as writers on the site!