Aerial fireworks (Utiage-Hanabi) are well-known as a feature of summer in Japan. Today, We introduce different type of traditional fireworks called Tezutsu hanabi.
Tezutsu hanabi, which began from Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, has a history dating back more than 400 years since the Edo period.
In Tezutsu-hanabi, performers having special qualification prepare a bamboo barrel bound in coil filled with gunpowder by themselves.
They need to hold this burrel and bear from fear or danger resulted from a shower of sparks /the shock of an explosion during the festival.
Tezutsu hanabi became a fixture in shrine religious events and, fulfilled a role in the dedication of temples.
Third Saturday, and Sunday in July, 700 arm-held fireworks are offered to gods at Toyokawa Hanabi festival for 2 days over a period of 3 hours or more.
In this festival, you can see powerful arm-held fireworks in the nearer side of the Susanoo Shrine.
The participants range from adults to children, among them, a brave performance given by a young men's association is the most powerful and attract the eyes, interest, and attention of all the people present in this festival. (Photography by Crystal Ogata, Written by HIRO:P)
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