Characteristics of Japanese fireworks (Taken from Introduction to Fireworks by the Japan Pyrotechnics Association, FY2017 edition)
Japanese fireworks, particularly its well-known bursting cored chrysanthemum fireworks, are said to be the most exquisite and beautiful in the world. Their three main characteristics are listed below.
Japanese firework shells have a spherical shape, while Western fireworks are typically cylindrical. Japan also packs its shells with spherical stars, versus cylindrical Western stars. These Japanese hoshi feature layers of differently colored explosives, much like Japan’s old-fashioned kawaridama candy balls that have rings of color inside.
As the figure on the right shows, a Japanese firework packs hoshi spherically into the shell (container) with a bursting charge (the explosive that breaks apart the firework) in the center. The outside of the shell is made from multiple layers of durable paper that are pasted on and then dried. Striking the perfect balance between the force of the blast charge and the way the paper is glued is what allows the firework to burst into a perfect sphere with evenly-scattered hoshi. If the paper is not glued evenly, the firework will not explode symmetrically, resulting in a distorted flowering.
Cylindrical fireworks do not scatter stars in all directions, so they are not perfectly spherical when they burst. Western fireworks also have different coloration than Japanese fireworks, and are known for unusual patterns such as those that burst multiple times in the air. The smaller fireworks are equal in terms of their brilliance, but when they exceed a No. 5 (15 cm) shell, the Japanese fireworks achieve significantly more exquisite and beautiful expressions.
Japanese fireworks experts have also been able to perfect the techniques to create two or three concentric cores (cored fireworks) through their skillful use of Japanese paper. The ability to achieve an extraordinary level of harmonious beauty, where the firework appears perfectly spherical from all angles, with excellent color transformation and a clean disappearing point, is attributed to Japan’s unique aesthetic and superior craftsmanship. They represent the crystallization (and indeed, they can be as perfect as crystals) of the wisdom and tireless effort of generations of firework artisans. In recent years, Japan’s pyrotechnicians have been challenging themselves to create four-core, or even five-core fireworks, proving that there is no limit to their artistic curiosity and achievements.
Source：http://www.hanabi-jpa.jp/data/booklet.html
Japan’s world-renowned artistic fireworks
The famed shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu was the first person to ever witness a firework in Japan. Ever since then, the Mikawa area of Aichi Prefecture has been a thriving fireworks region. Today, many other regions across Japan—most notably Akita, Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Niigata, Yamanashi, Nagano, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Fukuoka, Oita, and Kagoshima—are backed by a long and rich history of firework-making traditions. Meanwhile, the origins of Japanese artistic fireworks for the common people are said to date back to the Ryogoku Kawabiraki Fireworks of 1733. The year before, famine and disease had spread throughout the country, and many people died. Tokugawa Yoshimune decided to hold a festival as a memorial to the souls of the departed and to pray for the eradication of disease. It was dedicated to the water gods and scheduled for the first day of the boating season, known as kawabiraki no hi. Eventually, a fireworks festival came to be held every year on kawabiraki no hi, a tradition that led to the modern-day Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival. The first fireworks expert to make a name for himself at the festival was Yahei Kagiya. Later, a fireworks expert called Ichibei Tamaya would branch off from the Kagiya family and make his mark in Edo. To this day, the Japanese call out “Tamaya!” and “Kagiya!” when they watch a fireworks show.
What are Japanese Fireworks?
Fireworks are available all over the world, but Japan has become famous for its expertise, craftsmanship, and spectacular displays. There are also several types of fireworks that have become closely linked to Japan. These include:
Huge world-record holding fireworks which measure 1.2 metres and weigh hundreds of kilograms. As you might expect, the resulting explosion is a sight to see!
These fireworks take their name from the famous US waterfall and are essentially sparklers that cascade downwards from a bridge.
These mines burst into beautiful patterns in the sky, from traditional stars to more contemporary shapes like smiley faces, hearts and even Anime characters.
Top 10 Fireworks Festivals in JapanJapan loves festivals just as much as it loves fireworks. Festivals known as matsuri take place all over Japan for a wide range of reasons, from religious celebrations at shrines to honouring the dead, fertility, star crossed lovers - the list goes on and on. One of the common factors between all of these diverse festivals is that they are often fun, colourful, and bring together family, friends, and visitors. Japanese festivals have a carnival atmosphere, with food, music, games, and more, and represent a great way to experience the real Japan. Attendees even wear special clothing known as a ‘Yukata’ which is a casual summer kimono and ‘geta’ sandals. And of course, when it comes from getting from A to B in Japan, and from one festival location to another, there’s no better or more cost-effective way than the JR Pass. Of all Japan’s festivals, those involving fireworks might just be the most spectacular. Here is our list of recommendations: 1.) Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, Tokyo
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Color changing chrysanthemum with four cores by Beniya Aoki Fireworks (Nagano)
Elaborate techniques are used to make this ultimate artistic Japanese firework, which features four cores—each of a different color. The hoshi in each core transform, with the four layers resulting in multiple transformations in an instant.
Kaleidoscope with rising sliver trunk and blinking core by Isogai Fireworks (Aichi)
A silver trunk of light rises in the night sky as this firework is launched, bursting into bloom just as it reaches its highest point. From its sparkling center shoot eight huge petals in eight colors, as beautiful as a kaleidoscope.
How firework shells are structured
Fireworks are made of tiny lumps of powder called hoshi (“stars”) that scatter light in all directions. The hoshi are lined up side-by-side along the inside of concentric bowls made of paper. These are called the tamagawa, or shell casings. Finally, a bursting charge called the wariyaku is placed inside the firework to break apart the hoshi, along with a fuse. Launching explosive (a lifting charge) is attached to the completed firework shell, which is then loaded into a launching tube. When the lifting charge is lit, it simultaneously lights the fuse, which shoots the shell into the air. When the fuse lights the wariyaku, the countless hoshi fly in all directions, causing a huge flower of fire to bloom in the night sky.
