Fireworks, the fun events that color the summer night sky.
The history of fireworks is very old and is said to have begun in China.
Here, we’ll introduce trivia quizzes and fun facts for kids that will help you enjoy fireworks even more once you learn about their history! Through quizzes and questions about fireworks, you can learn all sorts of history.
We hope both children and adults enjoy them together.
There are actually many things that even adults don’t know.
You’ll surely be surprised to learn that fireworks have such a long history.
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Speaking of summer, fireworks! Kid-friendly trivia quiz and fun facts about fireworks (1–10)
In Japan, May 28 is “Fireworks Day.” Why did May 28 become Fireworks Day?
- Because it's the day the first fireworks festival was held in Japan.
- Because it's the fireworks craftsman's birthday
- Because it’s the day marking the origin of fireworks being launched over the Sumida River.
See the answer
Because it’s the day marking the origin of fireworks being launched over the Sumida River.
May 28 became Fireworks Day because fireworks were first launched on May 28, 1733, over the Sumida River to ward off epidemics and to console the souls of the dead.
What shape would fireworks look like when viewed from the side?
- circle
- triangle
- line
See the answer
line
Fireworks look round when viewed from above, but from the side they spread out flat, so they appear like thin “lines.” It’s fun how they can look like a completely different shape, isn’t it?
Where was the world’s largest fireworks shell—recognized by Guinness—launched?
- Aomori Nebuta Festival
- Nagaoka Festival
- Katakai Festival
See the answer
Katakai Festival
The world’s largest aerial firework is launched at the Katakai Festival in Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture. It’s called the “Sho Yonshaku-dama” (literally, a true 4-shaku shell). It has been recognized by Guinness World Records.
It used to be said abroad that the loudness of fireworks was important. What was the reason for that?
- To let people far away know that the festival has begun
- To startle animals and drive them away
- to ward off bad weather
See the answer
To let people far away know that the festival has begun
When fireworks first began to be used, they served to notify people far away of the start of festivals and events through their sound. For that reason, the loud noise was important as well.
At a fireworks festival, how high are the large fireworks—specifically size No. 10—launched?
- about 100 meters
- about 300 meters
- about 1,000 meters
See the answer
about 300 meters
A large firework called a 10-inch shell is often used at fireworks festivals. This firework rises to about 300 meters before it bursts. That’s roughly the height of a 90-story building. By going up so high, the large, beautiful fireworks can be seen from a wide area.
When fireworks are launched, some people shout “Ta–ma–ya–!” and “Ka–gi–ya–!” Which of the following is the correct origin of these calls?
- Because they were words that describe the colors and shapes of fireworks.
- Because it was a charm to wish for fireworks to go up well
- Because they were calling the name of a famous fireworks master
See the answer
Because they were calling the name of a famous fireworks master
“Tamaya” and “Kagiya” are the names of famous fireworks artisans from the Edo period. The custom originated from shouting the artisans’ names as cheers to praise them for launching beautiful fireworks.
Which of these firework shapes has actually been launched?
- Heart-shaped
- Fish shape
- Bicycle shape
See the answer
Heart-shaped
In fact, heart-shaped fireworks are created through the ingenuity of skilled artisans and can be seen at fireworks festivals. However, fish-shaped or bicycle-shaped fireworks are extremely difficult to realize and, until now, have never been launched.
When was the first fireworks festival held in Japan?
- the year 1733
- the year 1877
- the year 1945
See the answer
the year 1733
The first fireworks festival held in Japan is still one of the country’s famous festivals today. It began with the “Ryogoku River Opening” on the Sumida River during the Edo period in 1733. It is said to have been held to console those who died from epidemics and famine.
Who was the shogun of the Edo shogunate when Japan’s first fireworks festival, the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, was held?
- Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Tokugawa Yoshimune
- Tokugawa Yoshinobu
See the answer
Tokugawa Yoshimune
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is considered Japan’s first fireworks display. At the time, it was known as the Ryogoku Kawabiraki. Its origins date back to 1733, when the 8th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, held the event.
What kind of meaning is contained in sparklers (senko hanabi)?
- Family happiness
- The transience of life
- A wish to become rich
See the answer
The transience of life
It is said that the quietly scattering tiny sparks of senko-hanabi (Japanese sparkler fireworks) symbolize the fragility of life and fleeting moments of existence. For this reason, they are also considered fireworks that evoke the preciousness of human life and time.