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[Update, June 2] If you missed the fireworks last night, don't worry – we've got you covered. Check out the photos here.
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[Update, June 1] The short fireworks displays will happen simultaneously throughout the country tonight, June 1, at 8pm. However, to prevent crowds from gathering, the organisers are not revealing any details on where the fireworks will be launched. So just keep your eyes on the sky.
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[May 27 2020] Many of Japan’s fireworks festivals have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, including Tokyo’s famous display along the Sumida River. However, we’re not facing a summer without hanabi (fireworks). Instead, several Japanese fireworks makers have come up with a way to do a big bang without attracting large crowds.
Over 140 companies across Japan will participate in the ‘Cheer Up! Hanabi’ project, which will see fireworks being launched simultaneously in all 47 prefectures at a secret date and time. Some news outlets are reporting that the fireworks display will be in June, but the exact date, time and locations of these fireworks have not been confirmed by the project organisers.
As the name implies, ‘Cheer Up! Hanabi’ aims to boost Japan’s spirits amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. Each of the fireworks displays will be five minutes or less – this is to discourage people from gathering.
If you’re not living in Japan, or can’t see it from your apartment, check the hashtag #cheeruphanabi after the event, where participating pyrotechnicians will upload photos and videos of each display.
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