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Flowers Blooming in the Night Sky: Hanabi and Summer Fatigue Care

When we think of a Japanese summer, one of the first things that comes to mind is Hanabi (fireworks) vividly coloring the night sky. In Japan, wonderful fireworks festivals are held in many areas, bustling with crowds every year.

Overseas, fireworks are often launched for New Year's celebrations, but Japanese summer fireworks have a slightly different history. Originally, they were meant to ward off illness and disasters, and to comfort and pacify the spirits of our ancestors (a requiem). When we Japanese watch fireworks, along with their beauty, we feel a strange, nostalgic sensation.

Another joy of fireworks festivals is wearing a traditional Yukata and enjoying delicious food from festival stalls. If you have the chance, please try going out in a Yukata and Geta (traditional wooden clogs). You can experience the Japanese summer atmosphere to the fullest. (Though your feet might get a little tired!)

So, what is the history of fireworks in Japan? Actually, the history of fireworks in Japan began in relatively modern times, during the 16th century Sengoku (Warring States) period, around the same time as firearms. According to records, one of the first people in Japan to properly view fireworks was Tokugawa Ieyasu, a legendary Japanese Shogun. There is a record that in 1613, when a British envoy visited Sunpu Castle, they showed Ieyasu tube fireworks that shot out sparks. At that time, there were few color variations, limited to just orange and reddish-brown.

The roots of our current summer fireworks festivals, and the most important event, occurred in 1733. The previous year, in 1732, a massive famine (the Great Kyoho Famine) struck Japan, and with the spread of epidemics like cholera, many people died even in the city of Edo. In response to this catastrophe, the 8th Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune—who is known as an exceptionally wise ruler and even became the hero of a famous traditional Japanese historical TV drama—held a Water God Festival on the Sumida River. He prayed to pacify the souls of the deceased and ward off the epidemics. The fireworks launched around Ryogoku Bridge at that time are the origin of today's Sumida River Fireworks Festival. The culture of "Fireworks = Praying for people's health and sound health" began here.

During the Edo period, fireworks developed into the greatest entertainment for the common people. The family of pyrotechnicians in charge of this fireworks festival was called "Kagiya." Later, "Tamaya" emerged after becoming independent from Kagiya, and these two great pyrotechnician families competed and honed their skills. Every time a beautiful firework was launched, the audience cheered by calling out their respective shop names. The chants of "Tamaya!" and "Kagiya!" are remnants of this Edo period.

The continuous improvement of pyrotechnicians' skills goes on today. Modern Japanese fireworks artisans, while incorporating overseas technology, have refined a highly advanced, uniquely Japanese technique called "Warimono," where the gunpowder spreads beautifully into a perfect sphere. They have come to create the world's best fireworks.

We sincerely hope that the foreign expats currently living in Japan will also thoroughly enjoy Japanese fireworks.