■ “Omagari Fireworks,” captivating fireworks fans across Japan

Held in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, “Omagari Fireworks” is one of Japan’s signature fireworks festivals.
It is the general name for the fireworks festivals organized by the Omagari Fireworks Executive Committee, made up of the Omagari Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Daisen City. Today, three festivals are held in spring, summer, and autumn.

Among them, the National Fireworks Competition “Omagari Fireworks,” held every year on the last Saturday in August, is Daisen City’s biggest event, drawing many spectators from across Japan and, in recent years, from overseas as well.

Fireworks usually bring to mind summer festivals, but the biggest feature of “Omagari Fireworks” is that it is also a “competition.”
Fireworks makers from all over Japan compete in skill and creativity, aiming to be crowned the best in Japan that year.

Once you understand the “competition” aspect, watching fireworks becomes even more enjoyable.
In this special feature, we introduce how to enjoy “Omagari Fireworks,” from the perspective of those of us who live here in Daisen City.

■ A quick introduction to the history of Omagari Fireworks

Omagari Fireworks began in 1910 (Meiji 43).
Its roots are said to lie in the Ouhu Rokuken Enka Kyoshinkai, held as a special event for the Suwa Shrine festival.

Over more than 100 years of history, Omagari has developed into a “fireworks town.” Today, it is known as the home of the National Fireworks Competition, where Japan’s top fireworks makers gather.

We also recommend visiting Suwa Shrine, located near the venue.
Experience the origins of Omagari Fireworks while feeling the special atmosphere of festival day.

■What is “shin-iriwari-mono,” the essence of traditional Japanese fireworks?

The first thing to look for in the competition is “shin-iriwari-mono.”

These are traditional Japanese fireworks that open into a perfect, beautiful circle.
By placing a “core” in the center of the shell, the sparks spread out in layers and form a neat ring.

Judging criteria include:

• Does the shell open into a perfect circle?
• Are the color changes beautiful?
• Does it remain well-shaped right to the end?

It is a competition that lets you feel the depth of Japanese fireworks culture—not just how big they are.

■“Creative fireworks,” born in Omagari

Fireworks shows set to music are now seen all over Japan.
One of their origins is “creative fireworks,” born in Omagari.

In this competition, fireworks makers freely combine music and staging to express a theme like a story, and it is said to be the category that best reveals each maker’s individuality.

These are truly “Omagari-style” fireworks, blending traditional techniques with fresh ideas.
Even first-time viewers can easily get drawn in, making this one of the most popular categories.

■The only competition of its kind in Japan: refined daytime fireworks

In fact, fireworks competitions are held in daytime in Omagari too.

“Daytime fireworks” use colored smoke to draw patterns in the sky.
They require completely different, delicate techniques from nighttime fireworks, and Omagari is the only place in Japan that holds them as a competition.

Rather than spectacle, daytime fireworks are about enjoying the skill involved.
Among fireworks fans, some even say, “Daytime fireworks are Omagari.”

■You can’t go home without seeing this! “Festival-sponsored fireworks”

Another highlight alongside the competitive fireworks is the “festival-sponsored fireworks.”

This special program adds color to the festival, with stunning displays such as the latest effects and ultra-wide starmine fireworks.

The synchronized music and fireworks that fill your entire field of view are breathtaking.
Unlike the tension of the competition itself, you can fully enjoy these spectacular, show-stopping fireworks.

For many people, their strongest memory of Omagari Fireworks may be this festival-sponsored fireworks show.

■Don’t just head straight to the venue—there’s so much more to enjoy! How to fully experience the Omagari Fireworks Festival

Enjoy Omagari Fireworks Festival like this: Before the launch time

Before heading to the venue, take a stroll around town

At the shopping complex “Grand Pole” in front of Omagari Station and along Hanabi-dori Shopping Street, you’ll find local souvenirs like sake, sweets, and fireworks goods that are uniquely Daisen City.

We also recommend visiting unique cafés and ramen shops loved by locals.

On fireworks day, the whole town feels festive. Just walking around is part of the fun.

If you came by car, spend the morning sightseeing

If you’re coming from far away, it would be a shame to leave after just the fireworks.
Daisen City has plenty of relaxing spots, from hot springs and rural scenery to historical sites.

To avoid traffic, arriving early is also recommended.

Download the Omagari Fireworks app

The official Omagari Fireworks app is a must before watching.

You can check the program, bookmark fireworks you’re interested in, and follow the event in real time.
It’s a handy way to enjoy the competition more deeply.

Visit Hanabi-Amu to learn more about fireworks and their history

At the Fireworks Traditional Culture Heritage Museum “Hanabi-Amu,” you can learn about the history of the Omagari Fireworks Festival and how fireworks work.

Knowing more before you watch can completely change how you see the competition.

Enjoy food stalls, street food, and events too!

There are many food stalls around the venue.
Enjoy Akita gourmet dishes and spend the time before the launch at a leisurely pace.

The excitement that builds from daytime is part of the charm of the Omagari Fireworks Festival.

Enjoy Omagari Fireworks Festival like this: When the fireworks begin

Watch while listening to FM Hanabi commentary

If you want to enjoy the competition even more, FM Hanabi’s live commentary is highly recommended.

Listening while watching who is launching each firework and what to look for makes the unique appeal of the competition even richer.

Mark your favorite fireworks with a star in the Omagari Fireworks app

If you think, “I love this firework!”, save it in the app.

You can look back later and enjoy it like “your own fireworks festival.”

Enjoy Omagari Fireworks Festival like this: After the fireworks and the next day

Show your appreciation to the pyrotechnicians with an “exchange of cheers”

After the event ends, applause and cheers naturally rise from the audience.
This is the “exchange of cheers,” a signature Omagari tradition.

It’s a time to send gratitude and respect to the pyrotechnicians who came from all over Japan.
You’ll feel the warm sense of unity unique to this competition.

Visit Daisen City’s sightseeing spots and hot springs to savor the afterglow

On the day after the fireworks, we recommend taking it easy and exploring Daisen City.

Relaxing in hot springs, enjoying nature and local cuisine, and reflecting on the previous night’s excitement is all part of the travel experience.

Listen to the awards ceremony on FM Hanabi

There is also an awards ceremony the morning after the event.
Following through to see which pyrotechnician takes the top prize lets you enjoy the Omagari Fireworks Festival as a true competition even more deeply.

■Let’s go see the Omagari Fireworks Festival! How to plan your trip

How should you choose your viewing seat?
When should you book your stay?
Which is more convenient, car or train?

Since the Omagari Fireworks Festival is one of Japan’s largest events, advance preparation is very important.

In our separate article, we introduce access, lodging, what to bring, and how to choose seats in a way that’s easy for first-time visitors to understand.

→Read the Omagari Fireworks Festival travel planning guide here

■There’s more to enjoy than summer! Spring and Autumn Chapters

The Omagari Fireworks Festival is not just in summer.

There’s the Spring Chapter, where you can enjoy new fireworks and performances, and the Autumn Chapter, where fireworks stand out beautifully against the clear night sky—each with its own unique appeal.

Another plus is that the viewing experience is generally more relaxed than in summer.
It’s also recommended for repeat visitors.

→See the special feature on the Spring and Autumn Chapters here

Summary

The Omagari Fireworks Festival is a special fireworks event where you can enjoy not just watching, but also feeling the skill and passion of the pyrotechnicians.

Once you know what makes it exciting as a competition, you’ll be eagerly awaiting the next launch.
The atmosphere of town, the energy of the crowd, and the light filling the night sky—

Come experience “real fireworks” in Daisen City.