Niagara Falls Fireworks at the Nagaoka Festival – History, Role, Viewing Tips & Fun Facts
The Niagara Falls Fireworks, a signature spectacle at the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, first graced the skies in 1953.
Master pyrotechnician Seiji Kase crafted this unprecedented 650-meter cascade across Chosei and Oteo Bridges, earning its name from the majestic resemblance to Niagara Falls.
This guide explores its rich history, dramatic role, staging techniques, best viewing spots, and behind-the-scenes trivia.
What Is the Niagara Falls Fireworks Display?
The “Niagara Falls” is one of the signature set-piece fireworks of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival. Suspended across the Shinano River on Chosei Bridge and Oteo Bridge, it creates a sweeping “waterfall of light,” a spectacle named for its resemblance to the real Niagara Falls.
First presented in 1953, it has remained a traditional highlight ever since.
Overview and Origin
Conceived by master pyrotechnician Seiji Kase, the display was initially described as a “large starmine waterfall” before the name “Niagara” took hold, reflecting the torrent-like descent toward the river.
The idea—stringing a bold set-piece across the then-vital Chosei Bridge—was unprecedented in Nagaoka at the time and became a defining innovation of the festival. Debuting in 1953, it established a lineage that still endures.
Its Role in the Nagaoka Festival
Within the program, Niagara appears twice with distinct functions:
- Opening the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is the spectacular “Niagara Falls Super Large Starmine.”
Stretching 650 meters across the Ōte Bridge, the cascading Niagara Falls fireworks combine with a massive, wide-spread starmine to create a breathtaking spectacle of light, coloring both the night sky and the river’s surface, and instantly igniting the excitement of the crowd. - Since 1953, the “Niagara Falls” display on Chōsei Bridge has been one of the most iconic scenes of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival.
A 650-meter curtain of cascading sparks flows down into the Shinano River, evoking the grandeur of the real Niagara Falls. As the steel truss glows under the light of the fireworks, the legendary Shō-Sanjakudama blooms majestically in the night sky. Its overwhelming scale and resounding boom captivate every spectator along the riverbank.
History and Evolution
The “Niagara Falls” display on Chōsei Bridge has been a beloved tradition of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival since its debut in 1953. Spanning the entire bridge over the Shinano River, its curtain of light has evolved in scale and presentation over the decades, continuing to captivate audiences to this day.
1953 – First staged on Chōsei Bridge, inspired by the grandeur of the real Niagara Falls.
1987 – The Niagara Falls fireworks display begins on Ōteō Bridge.
1990 – Introduction of the simultaneous launch of the Shō-Sanjakudama and the Niagara Falls display.
2003 – Upgrade from Large Starmine to Super-Large Starmine
2019 – Special performance with Shaku-dama to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Nagaoka’s founding
2023 – theme music “HOPE TO THE FUTURE – Mirai e”
2024 – theme music “Canon Rock”
2024-2025 – Canceled due to construction work on Chōsei Bridge
Viewing Tips
Best Locations Between Bridges
If you want to enjoy the Niagara Falls fireworks at their best, the ideal location is between Chōsei Bridge and Ōteō Bridge.
This spot also offers a perfect opportunity to capture the dramatic combination of the Niagara Falls display and the legendary Shō-Sanjakudama, as the launch site for the giant shell is upstream of Chōsei Bridge.
Some of the most stunning shots are likely taken from the photographers’ section near Ōteō Bridge. From here, not only the Niagara Falls display but also other large-scale fireworks explode right before your eyes, making it one of the most thrilling premium seats.
When Is It Fired?
The Niagara Falls fireworks are staged at fixed times each year:
- 19:30 – Niagara Falls Super Wide Starmine
- 20:30 – Simultaneous display with the Shō-Sanjakudama
Originally, the Niagara Falls was a grand finale piece, but since 1989 it has been moved to the beginning of the large-scale segment. As the festival approaches, the official large-scale fireworks program is published, so be sure to check the schedule.
Fun Facts & Behind the Scenes
The “Niagara Falls” fireworks are a treat for the eyes not just once, but twice!
According to Eiichi Koizumi, fifth-generation head of Niigata Pyrotechnics Corporation, the magic is in the ignition:
- Ōteō Bridge – Bursts to life in a dazzling instant!
- Chōsei Bridge – Sparks race across the bridge like a river of fire!
Each bridge offers its own unique flair, making it well worth seeing both in action. Don’t miss the chance to compare them side-by-side!
