The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, held annually on August 2nd and 3rd in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most spectacular and emotional fireworks displays. This festival began in 1946 as a way to commemorate the victims of World War II and to celebrate the city’s post-war reconstruction3.
The festival features around 20,000 fireworks launched over two nights along the banks of the Shinano River near Ote Bridge3. The highlight of the event is the “Reconstruction Phoenix Fireworks,” a five-minute display synchronized with Ayaka Hirahara’s song “Jupiter,” which often brings spectators to tears3. This segment symbolizes hope and resilience, reflecting the community’s spirit and dedication to peace.
In addition to the breathtaking fireworks, the festival includes parades, folk dance processions, and toro nagashi, where paper lanterns are floated down the river3. The event attracts nearly a million visitors each year, who come to experience the vibrant atmosphere and the stunning pyrotechnics3.
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is not just a visual feast but also a poignant reminder of the past and a celebration of the future. It is a must-see event for anyone visiting Japan in the summer.