Kurume Fireworks

On August 5th we were pleased to welcome Samantha’s parents to Japan. Luckily for them they arrived on the day that our city puts on one of the largest firework shows in Western Japan. We were told that thousands of people go to this and expect crowds. Well, we went around 5 pm-ish (the show not starting til 7:30) and not too many people were around. This firework show takes place along our city river, seen in many of our previous photos. It used to be one large scale show, but due to extremely large crowds they’ve had to split it up and move the other show a little further down the river. But luckily you can see both occurring at the same time. The river park was lined with vendors selling takoyaki (fried octopus), french fries, fried noodles, and many other foods. Soon the crowds came, dressed in fancy clothes. A summer tradition is for the girls (and boys who are willing) to show off their Yukata, a summer kimono. So many varieties and colors and very pleasant looking; far different than the crowds you see at Sugahouse and Liberty Park firework shows back in Utah.

The show soon began, and WOW were we amazed!!! Never have we ever seen a show like this. Rather than just a non stop show for a mere 30 minutes, this production went on for almost 2 hours. Companies across the city and prefecture sponsor a 10-15 minute segment showing off how much money and creativity they have. The river would light up with the company logo in firework writing, and then their show; which easily rivaled any finale show in Utah. There would be a small 3-5 minute break between shows, allowing one to use the Port-a-potty or stock up on more Octopus; then more fireworks illuminating the sky. The end finale was incredible and just kept going and going. The whole time we kept hearing the girls around us repeat “Sugoi” meaning “wonderful, great”, I think we heard this over 200 times if not more. But indeed this Kurume event was very wonderful!