Enjoying Summer Together: The Artistry of Japanese Fireworks
In an age where everyone has a smartphone and entertainment has become increasingly personalized, it’s rare to share the same cultural experiences. Conversations like “What TV show did you watch last night?” are fading. Yet, in Japan’s summer, there remains a tradition that brings everyone together under the same night sky: fireworks.
Fireworks are a quintessential symbol of Japanese summer and one of its greatest entertainments. They are broadcast on television and celebrated with large-scale festivals across the country. Fireworks, at their core, are an art born of gunpowder explosions and shimmering light. Their roots can be traced back to “noroshi”—smoke signals used to convey information. Originating in China, where gunpowder was first invented, fireworks began as firecrackers with spiritual and military purposes before evolving into displays of wonder.
In Japan, gunpowder was first introduced as a weapon. But as the turbulent Warring States period ended and peace took hold during the Edo era, fireworks began to flourish as entertainment. The first recorded fireworks show took place in 1733 along the Sumida River, during a festival held to honor the victims of famine and disease. From then on, artisans competed to create dazzling displays, perfectly aligned with the culture of cooling summer evenings. While fireworks are often associated with New Year’s celebrations abroad, in Japan, they remain an essential part of summer nights.
Japanese fireworks are unique: spherical bursts that bloom in multiple layers like flowers, each crafted with extraordinary precision. As spectators don yukata and cheer, the display becomes more than a show—it feels like a fleeting installation artwork in the night sky. Indeed, Chinese contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang, known for his use of gunpowder as a medium, has embraced fireworks in his art.
Cai has often remarked that “explosions are uncontrollable, a way to release oneself.” His fireworks pieces, suspended between chance and creation, embody fireworks as pure art.
Handheld “Gunpowder Art”: Where to Find It
For many, handheld fireworks are nostalgic reminders of childhood summer nights spent with family and friends. Among them, the delicate senko hanabi (sparkler) holds a special place. Originating in the early Edo period as a “toy firework,” senko hanabi epitomizes Japan’s aesthetic of transience: a brief, glowing spark followed by silence.
Today, high-quality handcrafted fireworks can still be found at specialized shops:
- Tsutsui Tokimasa Fireworks Factory (est. 1929) – Known for unique creations like “Hanafuji,” inspired by Mt. Fuji, and “Animal Fireworks,” based on traditional folk toys. Their gallery hosts workshops where visitors can try crafting sparklers or draw designs on fireworks wrappers.
- Inoue Fireworks Co. (est. 1926, Shizuoka) – Japan’s leading handheld fireworks manufacturer, collaborating annually with Aoyama’s NICK WHITE design shop for a special summer pop-up. Exclusive sets feature colorful novelty fireworks, intricate “trick fireworks,” and the classic sparklers meticulously handmade by artisans.
- Matsuki Shoten (Kuramae, Tokyo) – A legendary wholesaler that also sells directly to the public. With over 400 varieties in stock, from nostalgic “mouse fireworks” to cutting-edge new releases, the shop is a fireworks lover’s paradise. Official site
Whether browsing a curated set or hand-picking from rows of options, these shops offer fireworks far beyond what you’d find at a convenience store—turning even a small spark into an unforgettable summer memory.
Fireworks Festivals: Night Sky as Art
Japan’s summer wouldn’t be complete without its fireworks festivals. Here are some highlights from the upcoming season:
- Ōmagari Fireworks (The 97th National Fireworks Competition) – Since 1910, this prestigious event in Daisen, Akita, has gathered the nation’s top pyrotechnicians to compete in four categories: daytime fireworks (using smoke instead of light), traditional shell fireworks, freestyle creations, and artistic “creative fireworks.” Winners are awarded the coveted Prime Minister’s Prize. (August 30, 2025)
- Hokkaido Art Fireworks 2025 – Set in Sapporo’s Moerenuma Park, designed by world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, this festival synchronizes fireworks with music, transforming the park’s landscape into a “sculpture of the earth.” (September 6, 2025)
- Itsukushima Underwater Fireworks Festival – Returning after six years, this spectacular show launches fireworks from the sea in front of the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima’s bombing, and the theme “Prayers for Peace and Cultural Heritage” makes the event deeply symbolic. (October 18, 2025)
Fireworks festivals are plentiful across Japan, but even the smallest handheld sparkler carries the same spirit: fleeting light, artistry, and togetherness. This summer, why not create lasting memories with the scent of gunpowder and the brilliance of fireworks illuminating the night?
