Nikkei Scholars 日系留学生

Yokohama Summer Fireworks!

Posted on 06. Aug, 2009 by Marie Mariko Matsuo in *English*, Featured, Nikkei Chronicles

Fireworks! One word describes it when it’s already summer in Japan. Many various events and fireworks display are held annually all over Japan. Summer fireworks display is one of  Japan`s traditional event where family and friends gather together while watching the beautiful and colorful summer night. This is one thing that everyone shouldn’t miss. If you’re a foreigner planning to visit Japan, as for me, this is the best time to witness Japanese fireworks although it is hot all day and night.

Last 1st of August, Shizu, Hana and I was given an opportunity to go to Yokohama Summer Fireworks. Prior to the said event, I thought of wearing a yukata. It seems to be much of a hassle while traveling from my dormitory to Yokohama, but then as the day came, I had a great time instead. All of the places were crowded from the train and bus stations to the streets of Yokohama, so nobody looked twice on what others were wearing. Some roads were closed for the night because thousands of people were there.

Our meeting place was at the JICA Building. Thanks to Akira’s invitation we had a nice spot to watch the fireworks display. I am not so sure if it lasted for about 2 hours because there were intervals. I was wondering while watching the enormous Japanese fireworks art, what technology was used to create different shapes like heart, rabbit, cat, shells, ribbons, butterfly, spiral and some other interesting shapes that some I could not recognize. It was really a fascinating display with creativity, rhythm and Japanese skill. I heard from the crowd that there’s a Doraemon firework but I didn’t see it. It shows how the Japanese modern period can still connect with their culture and traditions. There was also a smile-shaped firework which made everyone from the group shout – Merry Project! Guessing the shapes of the fireworks made the night more enjoyable.

After the fireworks, we said no one should miss the jump shashin. It was such a great night. See you soon next year!

Tags: akira, Asia, culture, Doraemon, festival, fireworks, hanabi, Japan, japanese, kimono, marie, mariko matsuo, nikkei, nikkeijin, nippon foundation, philipines, philipino, Pyrotechnics, scholarship, summer, Technology, yokohama, yukata