During summer in Japan, one sees many posters advertising big firework shows. Many stores sell various small fireworks for people to enjoy at home, too. Fireworks are indispensable seasonal tradition to the Japanese in summer. In the beginning of summer, you start seeing groups of people enjoying their own fireworks on the riverbanks. When it starts getting hotter, Japanese people clad in yukata flock to Sumida River, Tokyo Bay and many other locations where massively grand firework shows are held. These real life vistas of bursts of light filling the night sky leave vivid memories in the spectators’ minds.

Fireworks are basically a mixture of gunpowder and metal salts wrapped in the form of a sphere. When ignited, they produce a brilliant display of light up in the air with an explosive booming sound. The colors of the fireworks are determined by the flame reactions of the metal salts used in each creation. Pyrotechnists use various metal salts in various combinations in order to produce many hues of color. Most traditional fireworks spread out into a round shape in the air. But pyrotechnists have developed many uniquely shaped fireworks over the years. Some display red heart shapes, and others burst into a resemblance of a waterfall. The waterfall ones use a pipe loaded with gunpowder to create the desired effect, and incidentally are named “Niagara.”

Japanese people habitually call out “tamaya” and “kagiya” in awe during firework shows . Kagiya is a name of firework maker that has been in the business for over 300 years and 15 generations. Tamaya on the other hand spun off from Kagiya in the early 19th century, but was banned after causing a big fire in 1843. During Tamaya’s 35 years of existence, they held grand competitive firework shows with Kagiya. Fireworks viewers used to root for their favorite by shouting out the maker’s names. This verbal sparring has since become a Japanese tradition during the enjoyment of fireworks.

Unlike in California, summer days in Japan are very humid and hot. In order to cool off, some people go swimming in the ocean, while others prefer mountain climbing. Whatever their preference during the day may be, everyone yearns for the light spectacles at night. Let’s watch some fireworks and have unforgettable memorable nights.