To promote the 2025 Osaka Expo, hundreds of drones and thousands of fireworks lit up the sky at the planned site for the event. SKYMAGIC LIVE PTE. LTD., known for creating original shows using drones, put on the show on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka’s Konohana Ward on September 25, 2022. The event was the first large-scale outdoor drone show in the Kansai region, with 800 LED-equipped drones flying through the night sky. 

Nearly 15,000 visitors were in attendance at this spectacular event. The event aims to promote a hopeful future in which Japan thrives after the impact of the pandemic, and also aims to promote the upcoming Expo to people around the world. 45,000 fireworks were set off, marking one of the largest fireworks displays in Japan. Launched to rid the area of bad luck, guests will likely never forget the unique display of futuristic technology and traditional fireworks. 

As the fireworks show began, countless drones took off one after another into the sky. As many would expect, Myak Myak, the official character of the Osaka/Kansai Expo, appeared above the crowd, standing 135 meters tall and 80 meters wide. A countdown to the Expo appeared after, with the Let’s Go Expo 2025 logo shining in the sky, made entirely by synchronized drones.

Archived live footage of the event is also available. 

Ryota Shirahama, chairman of the event’s organizing committee, made a comment regarding the impressive event. “Japan’s resurgence is about to begin,” he said. “The world has been looking down, and we want it to look up. We want people to look towards the future–that’s the goal of this project. Yes, there was a pandemic. But like the phoenix seen during the drone show, we can start over. I hope that those who saw the show will be inspired to take a new step forward.” 

One of Japan’s best fireworks extravaganzas is headed to Singapore! Star Island Singapore Countdown Edition 2022-2023 will ring in the new year on December 31, 2022 at The Float on Marina Bay. 

STAR ISLAND is a futuristic fireworks show that blends traditional fireworks with cutting-edge technology such as 3D sound, laser lighting, and unique performances in a spectacular location. The first overseas presentation was launched in Singapore in 2018, and the second in 2019 drew 20,000 people. The show was also brought to Saudi Arabia in September 2019. 

This year’s event, the third to be held in Singapore, is expected to draw 22,000 visitors. Sponsored by JCB, the only international credit card brand from Japan, and Sanrio, a prequel show will run from December 25 until December 30 at the Marina Bay Sands event plaza near the venue. This is totally free to attend, so why not come check it out?

To celebrate six years of Pokemon Go, an incredible drone show was held during the Akagawa Fireworks 2022 presentation in Yamagata Prefecture on August 20, 2022. 

The presentation sought to get audiences excited for summer fun, with the phrase “let’s go on an adventure this summer” appearing in the air above the huge audience of 40,000. The Pokemon GO logo and popular Pokemon were recreated by around 700 drones.

Music from the mobile game played during the impressive show, as Pikachu and a 100-meter-tall Charizard moved across the sky. Alolan Exeggutor, Gengar, Wailord, and Rayquaza also appeared, creating a night to remember for Pokemon fans in the town of Tsuruoka. 

Pokemon GO Special Drone Show at Otaru Ushio Matsuri

The show itself was a surprise for the audience, with applause and excitement instantly palpable as it began. After the drone presentation concluded, the Akagawa Fireworks display began.

The Pokemon GO Special Drone Show was first held at the 56th Otaru Ushio Matsuri in Otaru, Hokkaido on July 24. Watch it in full above!

©2022 Niantic, Inc.
©2022 Pokémon. ©1995-2022 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc. ポケモン・Pokémon は任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。 

From her debut in 2016 until 2021, Kizuna Ai was the most subscribed VTuber on YouTube, and the one responsible for the term ‘Virtual YouTuber.’ Now, this legendary star will be holding a concert available to fans of Japanese culture around the world, while also showing off the beauty of a Japanese fireworks festival. The event will take place on Facebook’s Oculus, on the Venues app, on September 25, 2021 in Japan. Anyone who has an Oculus Quest can view the concert for free.

Oculus Venues is a VR video platform, allowing users to enjoy a variety of concerts, sporting events, and comedy shows from the front row. There’s no need to worry about grabbing expensive tickets or dealing with crowds when you can enjoy your favorite events from the comfort of your own home!

In January 2021, Kizuna Ai announced a contract with UTA (United Talent Agency), one of the four major agencies in the United States. In April and May, she went on her first virtual US tour. Under the theme of connecting with everyone in the world, Kizuna Ai is attempting this new challenge using Oculus to get closer to fans than ever before. As a guest artist, world-renowned performers HANABI will perform, blending traditional Japanese culture with cutting-edge technological art in this one-of-a-kind DJ-directed space.

Will you be tuning in to Kizuna Ai’s fireworks concert?

Tokyo Midtown’s annual MIDTOWN ART PALETTE has returned again for the summer, opening on July 16 and running until September 5. This year, the event delivers a Digital Art Garden with gorgeous dream-like digital artwork.

Digital Art Garden

Last year’s event

Experience a distinctively Japanese way to stay cool and refreshed on a wooden veranda with light and mist dancing through the outdoor space inspired by traditional Japanese rock gardens. Find yourself bewitched by an enchanting summer evening as the digital art transforms throughout the day.

This year’s event is being held with all proper social distancing measures in place.

Take digital art home with you with AR fireworks

Locate five QR codes dotted around Tokyo Midtown which when accessed via your smartphone will award you with artistic AR fireworks, allowing you to enjoy fireworks with you wherever you point the camera on your screen, including at home.

Nippon Animation and Crypton Future Media are set to collaborated for the 4th time by bringing together the popular character Rascal from the Japanese animated series Rascal the Raccoon and VOCALOID. The two companies will release pre-sales of collaborative merch at Magical Mirai 2020 in Osaka from November 27 to 29.

Rascal celebrate hits 40th anniversary back in 2017, the same year his collaboration with VOCALOID began. “Japanese Festival” is the theme for the merchandise line-up which sees the adorable raccoon come together with familiar faces from the VOCALOID roster including Miku, Rin, Len, Luka, KAITO, and MEIKO, all of whom are donning their appropriate festive garbs. There’s also a “Firework Festival” collection of merchandise too which was designed in collaboration with Japanese illustrator Omutatsu.

The merchandise will also be released at the official Nippon Animation shop ANi★CUTE in Ikebukuro, Tokyo on December 18, 2020.

Artwork sample

Merchandise sample

Phoenix Seagaia Resort, a resort located in Miyazaki Prefecture whose brand slogan claims them as the most beautiful in all of Japan, has announced a heart-warming new experience for the winter season.

Seagaia’s Snow Fireworks

Miyazaki doesn’t see a lot of snowfall, but this winter, the prefecture is welcoming an all-new fireworks festival which will launch fireworks into the sky that falls like pure white snow. Phoenix Seagaia Resort is also offering a guest plan which combines a stay at the resort with front row seats to the fireworks.

Running: December 4, 2020 – February 27, 2021 (Fridays and Saturdays only + January 10, 2021)
Time: 20:00 (Approx 3 minutes)
Bookings: https://bit.ly/3lurZWK

Starlight Winter Illuminations

THE LIVING GARDEN is the garden area of Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort exclusive to guests. This winter, the garden will be lit up with 30,000 LED lights and lanterns to create a magical, starry sky-like atmosphere by both of the garden’s pools.

Running: November 1, 2020 – February 28, 2021
Location: THE LIVING GARDEN, Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort
Illumination Times: Sunset to 23:00

Price: Free (Exclusive to Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort guests)

A Cosy Menu For a Warm Stay

Gazebos by the waterside at THE LIVING GARDEN

S’mores

Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort will also serve s’mores, hot cocktails, and other treats at THE LIVING GARDEN with gazebos and fire pits. Enjoy fluffy marshmallow s’mores served with nuts and salted chocolate.

Running: November 6, 2020 – February 28, 2021 (Excluding Wednesdays & Thursdays)

Times: 19:30-23:00 (Last Orders 22:30)

Location: KUROBAR, THE LIVING GARDEN, Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort

In celebration of the annual Saudi National Day―which commemorates the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia―STAR ISLAND held a special event at Jeddah Fountain View on September 23 entitled “STAR ISLAND SAUDI ARABIA NATIONAL DAY EDITION” which was attended by Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

STAR ISLAND was created in Japan and describes itself as ‘future firework entertainment.’ It fuses traditional Japanese fireworks with cutting-edge technology such as 3D sound, lighting and lasers. It has been taken both around Japan and overseas.

The event completely sold out, with close to 300,000 people gathering to witness the jaw-dropping, one-night-only firework spectacle forged specially for the 89th Saudi National Day. Also in attendance was Tsukasa Uemura who is the Ambassador of Japan at the Embassy of Japan in Saudia Arabia, as well as Amr Banaja, the CEO of General Entertainment Authority Saudi Arabia.

This was the second STAR ISLAND to be held outside of Japan. A special edition was prepared for the celebrations. The theme was “The Boy and The Falcon.” In the show, young boys from both countries went on a trip around the world with a falcon, experiencing many difference cultures. The boys travelled to the year 2030 to see that both countries were still as wonderful as ever.

The story touched on Saudi Vision 2030, a long-term plan by Saudi Arabia which looks to further grow itself as a tourism nation, develop public sectors, and diversify its economy.

During the performance, local dance groups and Japanese performers stood on stage together to celebrate Saudi Arabian tradition and other cultures. It was an historical moment for the books.

The event was held at the behest of the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Entertainment (GEA), resulting in the development and vitalisation of both countries’ entertainment markets as well as helping to create jobs. It also deepened the relationship between Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Kyoto―also known as the “old capital” and said to be the birthplace of Japanese culture. In its 1,200 year history, this ancient city has given rise to much of what can be considered quintessential Japanese culture. Fireworks are a monumental feat of summer in Japan with countless festivals up and down the country dedicated to them, and Kyoto is no exception.

If you’re in Kyoto this summer then you mustn’t miss these 4 fireworks festivals.

Kameoka Peace Festival Hozugawa River Fireworks Festival – A Magnificent Arsenal of 8,000 Beauties

This long-running event is held every year to pray for world peace. Its spectacular display features a lineup of fireworks specially selected by the Japan Fireworks Artist Association which aims to evolve the tradition of firework culture. Expect to see the night sky illuminated with a rainbow of colours from the festival’s launch of 8,000 fireworks, including the Starmine which shoots a cloud of bright stars into the overhead abyss, as well as some original fireworks crafted for the festival such as the “Kamemaru Hanabi.”

▼Kameoka Heiwasai Hozugawa Fireworks Festival (Kameoka Peace Festival Hozugawa River Fireworks Festival)

Date: August 11, 2019

Time: From 19:30
Location: Hozubashi Bridge
Official Website: http://kameoka-hanabi.jp/

Kyoto Nantan City Fireworks Festival – The Spectacular Starmine

Held by the riverbed of the Katsura River, the fireworks festival in Nantan makes use of the opposite shore from the viewing point which makes the fireworks look like they are raining down from the sky like a waterfall. The finale of this festival welcomes the behemoth of all Starmine fireworks which rips across the night sky in a blazing spread. The festival is also held as part of the Bon Festival and so lanterns are let loose down the Ōi River, creating a sight of subtle grace and beauty.

▼Kyoto Nantan City Fireworks Festival

Date: August 14, 2019

Time: From 19:30

Location: Katsura River
Official Website: http://www.yagi-hanabi.com/

Miyazu Toronagashi Fireworks Festival – Floating Lanterns & Fireworks For 400 Years

Held in the city of Miyazu, this festival combines fireworks with floating lanterns and shoryobune―boats adorned with tanzaku paper slips that are sent out to light the way for the deceased as part of the Bon Festival.  Floating lanterns on the water (known as toronagashi in Japanese) in Miyazu began 400 years ago. This year, it was counted as one of Japan’s three biggest toronagashi events.

Together with the boat, around 10,000 lanterns are sent into Miyazu Bay, creating a beautiful and majestic atmosphere. Close to 3,000 fireworks are set to illuminate the sky above, leading to an indescribable beauty as the fireworks and lights give off their own light.

▼Miyazu Toronagashi Fireworks Festival

Date: August 14, 2019

Time: From 19:30

Location: Shimasaki Park
Official Website: https://www.kyo.or.jp/miyazu/hanabi/

Ine Fireworks – Fireworks Galore Envelop Ine Bay

Around 1,200 fireworks climb up and over Ine Bay, lighting the calm water surface and the funaya boat houses of Ine with their brilliance. The boat houses themselves are also strung and lined with hanging lanterns.

▼Ine Fireworks

Date: August 24, 2019

Time: 20:15

Location: Ine, Kyoto
Official Website: http://www.ine-kankou.jp/inehanabi/

Did you enjoy our pick? It isn’t summer in Japan without fireworks. If you’re travelling to Kyoto to catch some sun this year, finish the day off with one of its many fireworks festival―from traditional Kyoto-esque events to large-scale ones with 8,000 fireworks ready to be deployed.

This summer, Ito city will be seeing lots of large-scale fireworks festivals take place between July 20 and August 24.  

Ito Onsen Yume Hanabi/ Ito Onsen, Ito Coast 

The Yume Hanabi (Dream Fireworks) event will be held 10 times during the summer fireworks season. Enjoy a range of fireworks exploding before your very eyes. The sizes of the fireworks range from an outer diameter of 9 cm to 30 cm. Each day, between 1,000 and 1,500 fireworks will pierce the night sky with a beautiful show of colours. The best spot to watch these would be from a simple patch of grass in Nagisa Park. 

July 20 (Sat)  20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)

July 28 (Sun) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)

July 30  (Tues) 20:30 ー 21:00　(Approx. 1,500 fireworks)

July 31 (Weds) 20:30 ー 21:00　(Approx. 1,500 fireworks)

August 2 (Fri) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)

August 3 (Sat) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)

August 6 (Tues) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)

August 7 (Weds) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)

August 17 (Sat) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)

August 24 (Sat) 20:30 ー 20:50　(Approx. 1,000 fireworks)

Usami Summer Festival  Kaijo Hanabi Taikai/ Usami Coast

This festival remains popular among the locals but is still yet to be discovered by tourists. This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view at your own pace. The road leading from Usami Station is a pedestrian zone lined with stands and stalls, making it the perfect place to enjoy the festival vibes. 

August 1 (Thurs) 20:00 ー 20:30 (Approx. 1,500 fireworks)

Floating Lanterns Uchiage Hanabi/ Ito Coast

Bright lanterns are floated down the Matsukawa river which runs through the heart of the city. As the last magical lantern makes its way down the river, the fireworks are set off into the sky, illuminating the lanterns as they float downstream.

August 8 (Thurs) 20:50 ー 21:00 (Approx. 800 fireworks)

Taiko no Hibiki (Echoing Drums)  Uchiage Hanabi (Ito Kaigan)

Head over to Nagisa Park to witness the taiko drum battle. Nagisa Park is one of the best locations in Ito city to watch the fireworks. The energy from the drums will resonate throughout the entire park. As the battle reaches its climax, fireworks will soar into the sky, exploding to the beat of your heart.

August 9 (Fri) 20:50 ー 21:00 (Approx. 800 fireworks)

Anjin Large-Scale Seaside Fireworks Festival / Along Ito Coast 

This is the largest fireworks festival in Ito. Over the course of an hour, approximately 10,000 fireworks will be launched from five different areas along the coast, striking vibrant streaks of colour into the night sky over the sea. The fireworks range from digital Star Mines to Niagara fireworks. For those of you who want to escape the crowds to watch the fireworks at your own pace, we recommend the seating area, where you can fully enjoy a closeup view of the breathtaking fireworks for just ￥2,000 per seat. August 10 (Sat) 20:00 ー 21:00 (Approx. 10,000 fireworks)

Yanmono Sato Hanabi Taikai /Yawatano

In just 30 mins, 3,000 fireworks are fired into the sky, bursting into dynamic patterns that illuminate the sea and create a scene of lingering beauty that you will not be able to peel your eyes from. The fireworks are set off right before the spectator’s eyes so you can watch the fireworks develop into spontaneous beauty right above you. 

August 14 (Weds) 20:00 ー 20:30 (Approx. 3,000 fireworks)

Kawana Dolphin Beach Large-Scale Seaside Fireworks / Dolphin Beach Park

This is a popular event among locals as well as tourists. Although there are not as many fireworks, the fact that viewers can enjoy them close up more than makes up for it. Niagara fireworks that shower over the ocean and Star Mines that blossom above you are just some of the popular kinds of fireworks this festival will allow you to witness.

August 15 (Thurs) 20:00 ー 20:30 (Approx. 2,000 fireworks)

Ito Hot Springs Hashi Festival Fireworks/ Ito Beach

At this unique festival, a tower made of chopsticks used at the hot springs is set on fire for a memorial service. A portable shrine overflowing with strong energy is carried through the streets as part of a parade. The event also sees hand-held fireworks, enhancing the festival vibes. The fireworks explode over the sea, colouring the sky with a scene that represents the end of summer. 

August 22 (Thurs) 20:30 ー 21:00 (Approx. 1,500 fireworks)

The summer holidays is the perfect time to enjoy a fireworks festival, so why don’t you check one out?

During the summer holiday period between July and September, Aquamarine Fukushima is holding a range of events and supporting children to learn about marine life independently. Come join in the festival fun with goldfish scooping games, quoits, and much more. There will also be a fair from August 11 to 15. 

Aquamarine Fukushima Rare Creatures Picture Book <Complete the pictures!>

Dates: July 13 ー September 1

Aquamarine Fukushima is displaying rare creatures and ecological systems. The children can write the name of the new creatures they discover in their own picture book. Once they have completed the picture book, it will be an original record of discoveries. As the children record the features of the animals and other organisms they discover, adults will also find this information beneficial when looking around the exhibitions. 

How to take part: Pick up an application form at the entranceway on floor 1 of the aquarium main building (Honkan). The answers will all be distributed in one place. (Subject to change).

Summer Aquamarine Fukushima: Children’s Answer Room

Open: July 20 ー September 1 

Here, all the answers to the children’s puzzles about Aquamarine life are presented in panels and explained in easy terms. Along with the picture book where the children can record interesting life forms, this is the perfect way to support independent exploration. 

Goldfish scooping and Fun Fair

You can purchase goldfish that were bred at the aquarium, or catch them yourself at the goldfish scooping area. There is also a games corner where you and your children can enjoy a range of fun activities such as quoits. 

The goldfish building, which just opened last year, will be bringing back its 60cm-large Goldfish Nebuta lantern. To raise spirits during Japan’s O-bon lantern festival, the aquarium will be open for much longer so that a lantern event can be held in the evening. 

Iwaki Traditional Vegetable Marché

Open: August 17 ー 18 (11:00 ー 14:00)

Head to the Aquamarine Aguri located outside Aquamarine Fukushima to purchase everyday vegetables as well as Japanese vegetables that have been grown through the cooperation of Iwaki farmers and Iwaki city. The traditional Iwaki marché sells mainly traditional summer vegetables such as okuimo potatoes, yardlong beans, beefsteak plants, kojiroi cucumbers, and much more. From local vegetables to healthy goods, everything is produced at Aquamarine Fukushima. 

Iwaki Fireworks Festival 

Enjoy the sight of fireworks soaring through the sky before your very eyes from the Aquarium grounds. This large-scale fireworks event will run until 9 pm on August 3.

Running: August 11 ー 15 (8pm) . 

※ Last entries: Up to 1hr before closing time. 

Come visit Aquamarine Fukushima for a perfect fun-filled day with the family!

Hello everyone, this is Midori from MMN’s Editorial Department!

The first thing that pops into your head when you think of summer is fireworks. During the summer, Japan hosts so many large-scale fireworks events that it can be difficult to decide which one to visit. However, some festivals really stand out from the crowd. Today, I will share with you some fireworks festivals I would highly recommend for their extra wow-factor. 

If you’re interested, check out the 2019 list for the top 10 fireworks festivals in Japan. 

2019 Artistic Fireworks at Moerenuma Park, Sapporo

Last year, this event was cancelled due to an earthquake, so excitement levels are high this year. 

This year, the fireworks dream team have put together a special non-stop program which includes the highest fireworks in the whole country. A fireworks photo and painting competition will be held after the fireworks event day.

▼2019 Artistic Fireworks at Moerenuma Park

Date: September 7, 2019

Official Website: https://www.moere.jp/

Relax 221m Above Ground: The RESTAURANT LUKE with SLY LOUNGE Fireworks Plan

Fireworks events held within the city can get very crowded, so how about watching them explode beautifully in the night sky from a restaurant? RESTAURANT LUKE with SLY LOUNGE is the perfect place to watch the Sumida River Fireworks festival and its 20,000 fireworks, or the Edogawa Fireworks Festival, where 14,000 fireworks are launched. Make sure to ask for the fireworks plan if you want this experience.

Being able to watch fireworks high in the sky is a wonderful lifetime opportunity. 

▼RESTAURANT LUKE with SLY LOUNGE

Address: St.Luke’s Garden, 47th floor, 8-1 Akashicho, Chuo City, Tokyo

TEL: 03-3248-0211

Firework event plans:

July 27 Sumida River Fireworks Festival Special Plan

August 3 Edogawa Fireworks Festival Special Plan

Adults: ￥15,000, high school students: ￥6,000, middle school students: ￥4,000, elementary school students: ￥2,000 (Free for those under elementary school age)

Official Website: https://www.restaurant-luke.com/restaurant.html

Shin Yokohama Fireworks Festival  2019 Special Tickets

Kohoku-ku, Yokohama will be celebrating the 80th year of the Shin Yokohama Fireworks Festival. Tickets for seats to watch the 2019 fireworks event are now being sold. The fireworks will be launched in an area that is hundreds of metres wide. For the finale, you can enjoy yellow streams of light as they fall out of the sky. As this fireworks event is taking place at Shin Yokohama, you can get seats at the Nissan Stadium or the tennis court to enjoy a beautiful night.  

Photo: Takeshi Kanetake 

▼Shin Yokohama Fireworks Festival 2019

Date: July 7, 2019

Prices: Special entry area (unreserved seats): ￥2,000 (per person, 1m2 picnic sheet, 1 entry ticket).

Tennis court garden table seat: ￥20,000 (4 people, 4 tickets, 1 garden table), Nissan Stadium north side (for legal supporters/ event sponsors and others who contributed to the event: ￥54,000 (6 people, 6 tickets, table seating).

Official Website: http://shinyokohama-hanabi.com/

Enjoy Fishing With A Beautiful Fireworks Display In The Sky at Echizen, Fukui

Visit Echizen port to enjoy a beautiful fireworks display whilst on the hunt for fish and squid. This is a relatively cheap plan considering that you also get the chance to enjoy a beautiful view. This is a wonderful way to create special memories.

▼ Fishing and Fireworks in Echizen, 2019

Date: July 13, 2019

Price: Squid: ￥ 6,000 per person　Fish: ￥7,000 per person (40 people max).

(Includes fishing equipement. Price is the same for both children and adults).

Official website: https://www.town-echizen.jp/SSL/experience/detail.php?id=90

A Cool Night at The Pool and Fireworks Every Day at Phoenix Seagaia Resort, Miyazaki

During the summer holidays, there will be a fireworks show every evening at Phoenix Seagaia Resort in Miyazaki prefecture. They have special seating, and also those who choose accommodation on the club floor can see the fireworks launched before their very eyes.

You can also enjoy the night pool or barbeque and simultaneously witness the fireworks. The best part is that there is a show everyday, so there is no need to worry about fitting it in with the rest of your plans.

▼Phoenix Seagaia Resort Summer Fireworks 2019

Event Period: Every day from July 20 ー August 31, 2019

Official Website: https://seagaia.co.jp/

This summer will be the first ever fireworks season of the Reiwa era, so how about making it extra special by attending a fireworks festival with that extra wow factor?