If you want to see the best of Japanese fireworks, the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition is a must. The best stage for Japanese fireworks manufacturers to show and prove their skills which are highly qualified even among the industry of the world highest level. This is the only fireworks competition in Japan that Prime Minister Award is given to the best of winners. It is held every year on the first Saturday in October. Be ready for the 2023!
By the way, the 91st Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition in 2022 was held on November 5th, a month late due to the corona virus and typhoon. It is important to check the schedule on the website of Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture for the competition schedule.
Competition in 3 divisions
Compete in three categories: Starmine, Size 10 Shells, and Creative Fireworks. Among them, the wide starmine is the grandeur of Tsuchiura fireworks history. About 2000 fireworks are displayed in 6 minutes, spectacular to watch.
The Size 10 shell is a shot that feels the spirit of the pyrotechnician.
Fireworks are judged
Unlike normal fireworks festivals, it is a competitive competition, so there is a judging process. The title and fireworks company name are read out before each fireworks is launched. You can see and feel the pyrotechnician’s thoughts in the title while watching, it’s a great feeling. The title call is read aloud in English, too. Consideration for overseas visitors.
First, the standard fireworks are launched and the score is announced. In the actual competition, points are given in comparison with the standard fireworks. Fireworks are also judged by the timing at which everything disappears, and it seems that the ideal one burns out at once. It’s a Japanese aesthetic that the beauty of the closing is also a competition point.
The Prime Minister’s Prize is awarded to the best fireworks
The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award will be awarded to the winner of the Starmine category, the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency Director Award will be awarded to the winner of the Size 10 Shell category, and the Ibaraki Prefecture Governor Award will be awarded to the winner of the Creative Fireworks category. The prime minister’s prize will be awarded to the pyrotechnician who impressed the audience the most. Therefore, it is a competition where pyrotechnicians from all over the country will put their hearts into it and face it with the best lineup. Plenty of hard work.
Mind your safety
If you are heading to Tsuchiura from Tokyo metropolitan area, I recommend you to take the Limited Express “Tokiwa” for the outward trip. Please make a reservation. Ride time is about 50 minutes. The 2022 Fireworks competition was held for the first time in three years due to the covid, and the reserved seats on Tokiwa No. 65, which I rode, were quickly sold out. Reservations are recommended once your schedule is fixed for the 2023.
And on the way back, everyone goes home at the same time, so naturally it’s crowded. In order to prevent accidents on the premises of Tsuchiura Station, the number of people to enter to Tsuchiura Station were controlled from 20:30. It might be wise to avoid peaks. In 2022, admission restrictions were lifted after 22:30, so if you not in a super hurry to go back to Tokyo, you may wonder around the city for a while to avoid the crowds.
It is well controlled by local governments, police, railway companies to ensure safety. You just have to relax and enjoy yourself.
If you plan to visit Japan in October, be sure to schedule your visit to the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition, you can see fireworks that you have never experienced before.
In 2022, such a wristband was distributed.
Stay tuned for more updates of Japan. See you soon!
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