I think there is no other “entertainment” that can instantly captivate and entertain everyone from children to the elderly like fireworks. Many Japanese have always looked forward to seeing cherry blossoms in spring and fireworks in summer. It is probably the national character of feeling the gratitude of the four seasons, enjoying them, and being drawn to things that are ephemeral and beautiful. However, fireworks are now launched all year round, not just in the summer. Fireworks originally had the meaning of requiem, so just looking at the large flowers blooming in the sky will make you feel good. However, the other day, I experienced firsthand that depending on the place where it was launched, it would be even more impressive.

“The Scenic Fireworks @ Mt.Fuji” — On April 23rd, I was invited by this very interesting name and went there. The place is a special venue of “Fujiten Resort” located at the first stage of Mt. Fuji, a World Heritage Site. This is the place where the first Fuji Rock Festival, which is familiar to music fans, was held (at that time, it was the Fuji Tenjinyama Ski Resort). This Fuji Rock was hit by a typhoon and is now handed down as a “legendary” (the next day was canceled), but it was sunny on the day of “The Zekkei Hanabi”. The majesty of Mt. Fuji enshrined in front of you should lift your spirits just by looking at it. There is still a little bit of snow left at the venue as well as at the top of Mt.Fuji. And at the entrance gate, cherry blossoms welcome you, and the luxurious scenery where you can find all the things that Japanese people like is spreading. In addition, you can see the fireworks that overlap Mt. Fuji here.

And most of all, the BIG4, representing Japan with over 100 years of history, Beniya Aoki Fireworks, Isoya Fireworks, Saiki Fireworks Main Store, and Kikuya Obata Fireworks, will compete with each other to the limit of their techniques. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the fireworks are the best in Japan, no, the world. The venue can easily accommodate 10,000 people, and the capacity is 1,095 people. Everything is a special seat, everything is the best view point, etc. You can tell that they are pursuing “overwhelming” quality and hospitality in everything.

Dusk approaches at 18:30. Fuji can still be seen clearly. The temperature dropped sharply, and I felt with my skin that I was at an altitude of 1500m. The prologue in the clear air is titled “Twilight at Mt. Fuji”, and each shot is slowly launched with Mt. This is a superb view. The view of Mt.Fuji at dusk illuminated by fireworks was impressive. The book of night has fallen, and the main story finally begins. First of all, start with a simultaneous star mine named “Bouquet of Delight”. The audience erupts in cheers with each shot. The unique art ball that shows the characteristics of each company is like a substitute for the stars that light up the night sky, and sighs leak out from here and there in the audience.

After that, the two companies collaborated on a joint Starmine, and in the final stage, the four companies mixed, and the low launching sound that echoed in the belly echoed, and the diameter of the ball when it opened reached 300 meters. One after another, he launched a large ball called “Shakudama” without regret. Applause erupts. And the last is a special time of the dream contest of Japan’s first pyrotechnician BIG4, which four companies cooperated. The finest fireworks that easily surpass images and imagination are truly breathtakingly beautiful. Approximately 10,000 fireworks bloomed brilliantly in the “Fuji sky”. The graceful and fleeting moment of flowering makes us feel once again that it is the history of evolution that has been handed down from generation to generation.

Before the event, it was featured on TV news programs, and after the event, the information was spread all over the world, including China. There is no doubt that Mt. Fuji + fireworks will be an irresistible event for foreigners, and inbound demand is expected to be great, and it has the potential to become one of the world’s leading fireworks festivals in the future. In addition, from next year onwards, it will be used as a hometown tax return gift for Narusawa Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, which is the venue, and it is likely to attract even more attention as a luxury fireworks event.

Next year, 2023, will be the year of Fuji-san. It has been announced that it will be held on Saturday, April 22nd. It seems that you will be able to enjoy the enhanced entertainment show “The Zekkei Hanabi”.

© Hisakatsu Tanaka