Mobility Resort Motegi Firework Festival
Fireworks Highlights
History of Fireworks
What is Hanabi?
In the 16th century, during the Warring States period, black powder was brought to Japan along with firearms, and it began to be used not only for guns but also for signals in battles, such as "noroshi." However, the decorative fireworks we know today appeared only during the Edo period, and the first fireworks festival in Japan is said to be the "Ryogoku River Opening Fireworks" held near Ryogoku Bridge in 1733.
Among the prominent pyrotechnicians of this time were "Tamaya Jirobei" and "Kagiya Yahei," and these names are the origin of the shouts we still hear at fireworks festivals today: "Tamaya~! Kagiya~!"
How to Make Fireworks
Japanese fireworks are the best in the world
Types of Fireworks
"Bursting types" are fireworks that explode and scatter the firework stars in all directions, and the round and beautiful bursting types represent Japan's fireworks.
"Popping types" literally split into two in the sky, dropping the stars packed inside. Some of these have irregular movements or have parachutes attached to the stars, allowing them to fall slowly from the sky.
Additionally, there are "small bursting types" where many small fireworks are packed inside a large firework, and when the large firework bursts, many small fireworks open up. There are various types of fireworks, and understanding these types can make viewing them even more enjoyable.
Chrysanthemum
Experience the essence of traditional fireworks techniques with a dazzling display of shooting stars and radiating patterns, depicting the chrysanthemum crest. When the colors of the petals change, it is called a "transforming chrysanthemum".
Peony
Similar to chrysanthemums, they bloom roundly but without dragging their tails, drawing light points and blooming flowers like peonies. They have a refreshing delicate beauty and brighter light than chrysanthemums. Among them, bright stars made with magnesium and other materials are called "Dahlia".
Yanagi
When the fireworks burst, the light falls from the sky like willow branches. Recently, there are various colored willows such as colored willows, and some change color when they fall.
Coconut
Looks just like a coconut tree with fireworks spreading out like coconut leaves. One of the representative fireworks of summer.
Star Mine
It is a combination of multiple fireworks that are continuously launched to create one theme.
Senrin
This is a firework that bursts open with multiple small balls packed inside, all at once, a moment after the firework ball explodes in the sky. Using small balls in various colors in the shape of chrysanthemums creates a "thousand chrysanthemums" effect.
Types (Saturn, Butterfly, etc.)
Fireworks that draw various shapes such as hearts, smiles, butterflies, and Saturn with dots and lines of light. Some fireworks are not spherical, so depending on the direction they open, they may be difficult to see.
Size and Types of Fireworks
Fireworks balls are referred to by their size, such as 3 inches, 4 inches, etc. The larger the fireworks ball, the larger the diameter when the fireworks open in the sky, with a 2.5 inch ball reaching about 50m and a 10 inch ball reaching about 320m.
In addition to size, it is said that 5 inch balls or larger are best for creating more delicate colors and shapes, and it is often seen in fireworks competitions that the beauty and originality of 10 inch (1 shaku) balls are competed against each other.
Difference between foreign and Japanese fireworks
Japanese Fireworks to be Proud of in the World
1. Blooms in a perfectly round and large manner.
2. Each petal's star changes color vividly.
3. Can layer double or triple cores in concentric circles.
Additionally, Western cylindrical fireworks do not burst in all directions in the sky, so they do not open as perfectly round as Japanese fireworks; however, some can connect multiple balls to change in layers in the sky.
On the other hand, in Japan, from the large balls known as 7-inch balls and above, intricate and splendid expressiveness is prominently featured.
Furthermore, Japanese fireworks artisans have skillfully utilized washi paper to complete the technique of creating double and triple concentric circles.
The fireworks with triple, quadruple, and quintuple cores are the exquisite craftsmanship that Japan proudly presents to the world.
Good Fireworks Viewing
4 Tips for Watching a Great Fireworks Display
1. Good sitting position
The firework shell opens at its peak.
Fireworks are ideally those that open at the highest point of the rising shell. When it opens at the moment the shell transitions from rising to falling, the stars open round without being affected by vertical forces. This is referred to as "the shell's position is good." If it opens while rising, it forms a fan shape, and if it opens while falling, the stars flow and do not form a beautiful spherical shape.
2. Good for Bon Festival
The expansion that matches the size of the ball, opening in a perfect spherical shape
The shape created when fireworks burst and stars scatter all at once is called a "bon". A large and beautiful perfect sphere is considered the best, and this is referred to as "good bon". If the opened shape is not a beautiful circle but appears as a distorted ellipse or an irregular shape, or if it does not have an expansion that matches the size of the ball, it cannot be considered good fireworks.
3. Good for stiff shoulders
The stars scatter in a radial pattern, flying straight and forming a circle.
It is considered the best when stars fly radially from the firework shell, and it is said that "the shoulder's tension is good." It is not good if the stars swim unsteadily at the front, fly to unexpected places, or if there are "missing stars" that escape from where they should be without being ignited, resulting in a sparse display.
4. Evenly aligned disappearing mouth
The moment when all the stars suddenly disappear.
Fireworks are greatly influenced by the timing of the stars' disappearance. Ideally, all the stars should change color and burn out simultaneously. The moment when the stars burn out is called the "disappearance point," and when countless stars shoot out radially and disappear all at once without going out individually, it tightens the fireworks and gives a more beautiful impression. This is referred to as "aligning the disappearance points." Additionally, in fireworks where the colors change while the stars are flying, it is considered good if those colors also change simultaneously.
Cooperation: Japan Fireworks Association
Citation: Introduction to Fireworks
