Omagari Fireworks Light Up Northern Japan

Thousands of fireworks illuminated the sky over Daisen, Akita Prefecture, on Saturday during the 97th Omagari Fireworks competition. Twenty-eight pyrotechnic firms from across Japan participated in the event held along the Omono River.

The contest featured two sections: daytime displays with colorful smoke fireworks visible in sunlight, and nighttime shows highlighting traditional round fireworks and creative music-synced displays. In the main event, around 2,200 fireworks were launched over five minutes to the symphonic poem Finlandia, reflecting the theme of “peace.”

A total of 18,000 fireworks delighted approximately 100,000 spectators. Visitors praised the variety and beauty of the displays, with one woman from Miyagi Prefecture noting the impressive colors, and a local 9-year-old describing the round and rainbow-colored fireworks as “beautiful.”