26 July, 2011

Summer Events and Traditions: Fireworks

 We hope you enjoyed our last month’s Gourmet series. There are many other delicious gourmet foods in Hyogo, so we hope you get a chance to come and enjoy them.

 This month, we are going to focus on “Summer Events and Traditions,” and our first topic is going to be on fireworks.
 Fireworks are one of the first things that come to mind when talking about summer in Japan. With a long history, it is said that the first fireworks started in the Edo period. Japan creates some of the most intricate fireworks in the world, and they are known for their unique designs and colors. 

Port of Kobe Fireworks Festival  

There are three categories of fireworks; rocket fireworks, set fireworks, and toy fireworks. When rocket fireworks are launched into the air, the central ball-shaped firework is ignited and sparks form around it. They use Sun as a unit of measurement for the fireworks. One Sun is equivalent of 3.3 centimeters. Balls that are four sun are called Size 4, 10 sun are called Size 10, and so on. The bigger the size of the ball, the bigger the firework.

 
Rocket Fireworks

Set fireworks are all about uniqueness. There are types that resemble waterfalls, some that form different shapes, some that shoot at the same time, and so on.

Set Fireworks 

One of the most popular toy fireworks is the sparkler, but there are many other types as well. Toy fireworks are small, easy-to-manage fireworks.

Sparkler 

There are many summer events and firework festivals held in Hyogo between mid-July and the end of August. All the fireworks are very exciting, and their beautiful colors will be sure to capture your heart. It’s the best way to experience summer in Japan. I’m very excited to see what kind of fireworks are going to light up the sky this year!


Check the following URL for event information! (Time listed is for the fireworks show)

33rd Annual Port of Himeji Firework Festival 2011  July 30 (Sat)  19:30-20:45

Port of Kobe Fireworks Festival 2011  August 6 (Sat) 19:40-20:30

Awaji Island Fireworks Festival  August 7 (Sun)  20:00-20:50

Tamba-Sasayama Dekansho Festival  August 15 (Mon) – 16 (Tues)  20:20-20:50

The next issue is on Japanese Beaches. We’re going to talk about different beaches that Hyogo has to offer, as well as some of the interesting culture and traditions related to the beach scene in Japan. See you in the next issue!



Soo (Hyogo Tourism Association)