Hanabi (fireworks) are a feature of summer in Japan . Whether it’s the shelves stocked with fireworks big and small to use at your next barbecue or one of the many firework festivals held during the hottest months, fireworks are a quintessential part of the Japanese summer. The literal translation of hanabi (花火) is flower fire from the characters 花 (flower) and 火 (fire).
Although its Japanese name conjures up the image of a fantastic flower burning in the sky, the word is a useful starting point to explore fireworks’ historical and cultural significance in Japan. In this post, we’ll discuss the origins of fireworks in Japan and include some of the best fireworks festivals to look forward to this summer. Origins of Fireworks in Japan While the history of fireworks began in China around 200 BCE, Japan did not enjoy explosive displays until at least the 16th century.
Early Stories of Fireworks There’s no consensus on when and where fireworks first appeared in Japan. Some records suggest that the earliest fireworks display occurred on July 7, 1589, at Kurokawa Castle in the Sendai domain. Other sources suggest that Japan introduced fireworks in 1613 at a meeting between Tokugawa Ieyasu and an English diplomat.
In both cases, the fireworks were reportedly Chinese in origin. Regardless of when fireworks appeared, government officials were concerned about their use throughout the 17th century. Several decrees by the Edo (Tokyo) government declared their use illegal a.