Because there is a sponsor

The reason you can enjoy the summer fireworks festival for free every year is that it has sponsors. Sponsors are companies or organizations that cover the event’s costs in exchange for advertising and promotional benefits. Thanks to their support, many people can enjoy the festival easily, which also helps revitalize the local community and promote tourism.

yukata

The traditional Japanese clothing often worn at summer fireworks festivals is the yukata. A yukata is a type of kimono made from light, breathable cotton, making it perfect for the hot summer season. Wearing a yukata to a fireworks festival lets you enjoy the atmosphere of a Japanese summer even more. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and are loved by people of all ages, regardless of gender.

paper lantern

The lights used to decorate festivals so they can be enjoyed at night are called chōchin, or paper lanterns. Chōchin are traditional lighting fixtures made from washi paper or cloth that emit a warm, gentle glow. When many are hung around festival grounds and food stalls, they enliven the nighttime atmosphere and lift the spirits of visitors. They are an indispensable symbol of Japan’s summer festivals.

three types

Sky fireworks can be broadly divided into three types. First are “warimono,” the quintessential fireworks that burst into large, round shapes in the sky. Next are “kowarimono,” which are smaller and more delicate than warimono. Finally, there are “pokamono,” which either fall without opening or entertain with their motion and sound. These three types are combined to create a wide variety of fireworks displays.

gun

Black powder, the raw material for fireworks, was first introduced to Japan during the Warring States period in the 16th century. This black powder arrived together with firearm technology. Firearms are weapons that use gunpowder, and their introduction helped spread awareness of gunpowder in Japan. The gunpowder used in fireworks is the same type as that used in firearms, and gunpowder technology advanced alongside the spread of firearms.

Tokugawa Yoshimune

The shogun at the time of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival—considered Japan’s first fireworks festival—was Tokugawa Yoshimune. The festival traces its origins to an event called “Kawakirizome” (river opening) held in 1733 (Kyōhō 18). In response to the many deaths caused by a major famine and epidemics, fireworks were launched over the Sumida River to console the souls of the deceased, ward off plagues, and pray for economic recovery.

Edo period

It is said that senko-hanabi (sparkler fireworks) originated in the Edo period. During this era, fireworks technology advanced greatly, giving rise to many varieties. Senko-hanabi are delicate fireworks that gently scatter tiny sparks from the tip of a thin stick, characterized by a quiet, fleeting beauty. As a traditional symbol of summer that has continued since the Edo period, they are still loved by many people today.