Nagaoka Hanabi — A Fireworks Festival with 150 Years of History and Culture
The Nagaoka Hanabi began in the Meiji era and has been carried on for 150 years.
It is not only one of Japan’s most renowned fireworks festivals, but also one of Nagaoka’s most important cultural traditions.
Today, it has become a cultural tradition deeply rooted in remembrance, recovery, and prayers for peace.
where fireworks are not just dazzling displays in the sky, but powerful symbols of remembrance, resilience, and community.
Held every year on August 2 and 3, the Nagaoka Hanabi(Fireworks Festival) is one of Japan’s most breathtaking and meaningful summer events.
Its roots stretch back to the Meiji era, but its modern form was born from the ashes of the devastating 1945 air raid.
Each explosion in the night sky carries prayers for peace, and the spirit of a city that never gave up.
Nagaoka Hanabi.com will guide you through the story, tradition, and beauty of Nagaoka Hanabi — from its signature fireworks to the people and culture that keep the flame alive.
Highlights of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
- Two-Day Spectacle – Held annually on August 2nd and 3rd along the Shinano River.
- Historical Significance – Today, the fireworks carry a profound message: honoring the war dead, expressing gratitude for post-war recovery efforts, and praying for lasting peace.
- Signature “Phoenix” Display – A moving show originally launched as a prayer for recovery after the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, now a symbol of hope and resilience.
- Varied Performances – Includes the dramatic 100-shot rapid-fire “Shakudama” and displays set to popular TV drama soundtracks.
