[Ibaraki] Autumn Only! Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition—Enjoy one of Japan's three biggest fireworks festivals!

The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition, one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals

Summer in Japan is synonymous with fireworks festivals. The image of people wearing yukata and enjoying the spectacular fireworks that bloom in the night sky is a typical summer scene that many people imagine. Furthermore, many people also imagine scenes like goldfish scooping in yukata on the night of a summer festival, or strolling around food stalls with candy apples in hand, all in a lively atmosphere, watching the fireworks together.

However, in recent years, the summer heat has become increasingly severe, and many people feel anxious about being outdoors with small children for long periods of time due to the risk of heatstroke. Just going outside with children means enduring the scorching heat, and having to leave early and wait for long periods of time to reserve a spot is a real ordeal. As a result, some people may be saying, "This year, the heat caused me to miss several important summer fireworks displays."

If that sounds like you, then next time you should definitely visit the Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition, held in autumn. This competition is one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals, and it's a rare event that only takes place once a year, on one day at a time. The special feeling of it being a limited-time event is also one of the reasons it attracts so many spectators. What's more, the clear, cool autumn air makes the colors and sounds of the fireworks seem even more vivid, and you can enjoy them to the fullest in a comfortable environment that's different from summer, which is another major attraction.

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The "Fireworks Olympics" born from the passion of artisans

The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition is one of the few fireworks festivals in Japan that is held in a "competition format." Pyrotechnicians from all over the country gather to compete using their ingenuity and advanced techniques, aiming to win the highest honor, the "Prime Minister's Award." What spectators see is not just a simple fireworks show, but a serious competition between the world's top craftsmen, like the "Fireworks Olympics."

Even a single firework can be as large as a shaku-sized ball, exceeding 30cm in diameter. It contains hundreds or even thousands of precisely arranged explosives, and its production takes several months. Fireworks displayed at competitions in particular are original creations known as "artistic balls." They are meticulously designed down to the color scheme, shape, and timing of their blooming, and in pursuit of a theme, they take nearly a year to complete, from conception to prototyping and production for the actual event.

What spectators see in the night sky is just a few dozen seconds of art of light and sound. But behind it lies a "culmination" of nearly a year of artisanal time and passion. The tension and drama packed into each and every shot makes it a special experience that you just can't get at a regular fireworks display.

Each piece has its own theme and personality, and the experience of enjoying the art of light spreading across the night sky is something you can't get anywhere else.

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The clear air and seasonal atmosphere make autumn a pleasant experience

Although fireworks festivals are often associated with summer, the fireworks in Tsuchiura are held in autumn every October.

Autumn has many unique attractions, starting with the comfortable temperatures. Without the worry of summer humidity or heatstroke, you can enjoy the view while feeling the pleasant autumn breeze, making it a safe experience for even small children and the elderly. Furthermore, the low humidity and clear air create a crystal-clear night sky, making the colors and shapes of the fireworks appear even more vivid. The combination of the fireworks with the rural landscape after the rice harvest and the natural colors of the autumn leaves creates a sense of calm and charm different from summer. Enjoy autumn flavors at the food stalls around the venue, allowing you to fully experience the season with all five senses. Furthermore, because this event requires a paid ticket system, designated wooden box seats are available for everyone, ensuring comfortable seating for all. Group seating is also available for bus tour participants. There's no need to line up early in the morning to secure a spot. Families and groups can sit together, allowing you to relax and enjoy the fireworks without worrying about others, taking photos, and chatting freely. The combination of comfort and peace of mind makes this a uniquely autumnal fireworks experience, perfect for family trips with children and seniors, as well as group tours.

The overwhelming scale of "Starmine"

When it comes to fireworks in Tsuchiura, the first thing that comes to mind is "Starmine."

Starmine is a performance in which dozens to hundreds of fireworks are launched in rapid succession, creating a spectacular sight that resembles a waterfall of light flowing across the night sky. The power of launching so many fireworks in such a short space of time is what sets it apart from other fireworks displays. It cannot be described simply as "beautiful"; the moment the entire night sky is enveloped in light, accompanied by a roar that resonates in the hearts of the audience, is truly a "storm of light and sound." It is an overwhelming experience that will take your breath away.

In particular, the Starmine fireworks, unique to the competition, showcase works that condense the individuality and best of each pyrotechnician's technique. With an exquisite balance of brilliance, speed, and power, spectators don't just watch the fireworks, they can enjoy them to their heart's content as a spectacular show that unfolds in a short space of time. This power and sense of concentration is what makes Tsuchiura so appealing, and the reason why once you experience it, it leaves an unforgettable impression.

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Summary: A unique fireworks experience that can only be enjoyed in autumn

The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition, held only once a year, colors the autumn night sky. Artistic fireworks that artisans have spent nearly a year crafting compete against each other, and the overwhelming power of star mines envelops the night sky in a storm of light and sound. Another attraction is being able to relax and enjoy the view with family and friends from comfortable wooden box seats in the cool, clear autumn air. Why not experience an unforgettable and special moment at one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals this autumn?

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