Today, I would like to introduce one of Japan’s summer traditions – “fireworks”. Japanese people enjoy going to fireworks shows which are held all over Japan during summer.

One of the most famous fireworks festivals is Chikugo River Fireworks Festival in Kurume City (a neighboring city to the home of our Ogori NILS campus), Fukuoka Prefecture. This historic Chikugo River Fireworks Festival has been going on for over 350 years and is one of the biggest in western Japan launching as many as 18,000 rounds.

Unfortunately, this festival was canceled this year to prevent the spread of COVID 19 infection.

However, we can enjoy fireworks in a different fashion by lighting “Temochi-hanabi” (meaning hand held sparklers).  As the name suggests, you can hold it in your hand and light it. It’s widely sold in convenience stores and supermarkets.

When you go to Japan, by all means, please attend Chikugo River Fireworks Festival, and play with “Temochi-hanabi” with your family and friends.

*These photos shown are for illustration purpose only.