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Tamagawa Fireworks Festival on Typhoon Night (Fireworks)
Fireworks are one of the many events that take place in Japan in the summer. Usually, fireworks display is a must-go event for Japanese people in the summer. Various places organize fireworks displays to complement the stalls and boost the local economy; at one of the laboratory meetings, someone suggested to go to see fireworks, so we decided to go to the Tamagawa River Fireworks Display.
Japanese Sparklers' Convention
First, I would like to introduce the differences between Japanese fireworks and Taiwanese fireworks in terms of technology, cultural meaning, and method of display. The following are some of the major differences:
Technology & Design
- Shapes and Structures
- Japanese: Japanese fireworks are famous for their unique spherical blooms, often forming multiple concentric circles and displaying delicate patterns and color variations in the air. This design requires a high degree of technical skill and precision craftsmanship.
- Taiwan: Most of the fireworks in Taiwan also use a spherical design, but in large-scale fireworks festivals, music and lights are combined to emphasize the dual effects of sight and sound.
- Color and Change
- Japanese: Japanese fireworks are rich in color variations, often adding color changes before the fireworks disappear, showing the Japanese people's expression of delicate emotions.
- Taiwan: Fireworks in Taiwan come in a variety of colors, especially at large festivals, where a variety of colors are used to create a lively atmosphere.
cultural connotation
- Historical and Cultural Background
- JapaneseFireworks in Japan are not only an entertainment event, but also carry deep cultural meanings, such as calming the soul and praying for good luck. This cultural background can be traced back to the Edo period, when fireworks were used to pray for the comfort of souls and to ward off epidemics.
- Taiwan: Fireworks in Taiwan are mostly used in celebrations, such as the Lantern Festival and New Year's Eve, mainly to add a festive atmosphere and a sense of celebration.
- Casting Time
- Japanese: Fireworks display is usually held in summer and is one of the representative events of summer in Japan. Depending on the area, most fireworks are held for about an hour to an hour and a half at a time.
- TaiwanFireworks in Taiwan are usually set off during specific festivals or celebrations, such as the Lantern Festival, National Day, New Year's Eve, etc. The timing varies depending on the festival, but in my memory, the New Year's Eve fireworks ended in less than 10 minutes. The duration of the fireworks varies according to the festivals, but as far as I can remember, the New Year's Eve fireworks end in less than 10 minutes.
Overall, Japanese fireworks are known for their refined techniques and deep cultural connotations, while Taiwanese fireworks emphasize the fervor and joy of festivals. These differences reflect the different values and traditional customs of the two countries in fireworks culture.
Tama River? Or Tamagawa?
If you pass by "Futago Tamagawa" station in Setagaya district, you will hear the word "Tamagawa", and I saw that the event is "Tamagawa Hanabi", but it is held in the vicinity of "Tamagawa" station, so I was a bit confused, and then I looked it up before I understood it. Generally speaking, the difference between "Tamagawa" and "Tamagawa" is as follows:
Tamagawa (name)
- Use of geographical names: Tamagawa is often used as the name of a place such as Setagaya-ku or Ota-ku in Tokyo.
- Historical BackgroundTamagawa Kamisui: Tamagawa Kamisui was dug in the Edo period and played an important role in supplying water to Edo.
Tamagawa (name)
- River use: The Tama River is a first-class river that flows through the Kanto region from Yamanashi Prefecture all the way to Tokyo Bay.
- Geographical characteristics: The Tama River flows through the border of Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefectures, and there are many natural parks and recreational areas in the basin.
Highlights of Differences
- Difference in useTamagawa: Tamagawa is mostly used as a place name or historical lineage, while Tama River refers to a specific river.
- Geographic ScopeThe Tamagawa River is a river with a wide area, while the Tamagawa River usually refers to a specific area.
In conclusion, Tamagawa and Tama River are used in different contexts, and the main difference is that one is a place name and the other is a river name. I hope that you will remember this difference so that you will not confuse the usage of these two characters in the future.
First Experience
The kind professor even rescheduled the report practice for this fireworks event so that everyone could see the fireworks, but as a result... everything was ready except for the east wind, no, there was an extra typhoon! The night before, there was a message from Nakata in the LINE group:
"Due to typhoon, the fireworks tour is canceled!"
My inner OS:
"All the other fireworks were stuck during my final exams and I couldn't see them, and I haven't seen a single firework in the summer in Japan, so it's kind of crazy..."
On the day of the event, when I was chatting with Mr. Murata in the research room, I was surprised to find out that the event had not been suspended, so I had the courage to ask him about it:
"Senior, the activity hasn't been canceled, should we go ahead with the original plan?"
"Yeah, I'll call the others who are in the research lab."
The Principal responded.
That's how the four of us, Murata-senpai, Kida-senpai, and Iwata-senpai, boarded the train, braving the wind and rain. Inside the train, the girls in yukata were all dressed up in a variety of colors.
Unfortunately, the closer we got to our destination, the heavier the rain became. Many people couldn't stand the pouring rain and took the reverse tram home. Kida-san also asked:
"Are you leaving?"
"Let's go!"
Mr. Murata said as he swiped his card and walked out of Futako-Shindi Station through the ticket gate without hesitation.
After passing through the temporary station set up for the fireworks display, I was instantly drenched in water! While searching for the best place to watch the fireworks, I strolled through the street of stalls, which was as busy as a night market in Taiwan.
"five, four, three, two, one!"
The fireworks are counting down! The seniors begin to guess which direction the fireworks will come from.
Shoo - touch!
"Kirei! （"Beautiful."
The audience gasped.
The fireworks were being set off on both the left and right sides at the same time! We looked to the right and then to the left, enjoying the fireworks, and I noticed that the glow of the fireworks made the colorful yukata even more attractive. As I watched the couples nearby, I felt like I was in a scene from a Japanese drama, feeling the youth of summer.
As I watched, Murata-senpai suddenly tapped me on the shoulder:
"Zero, we're getting ready to go!"
"So soon? I thought it was 45 minutes?"
As I was asking questions, Kida-san helped me out:
"Because there will be so many people, we won't be able to get on the tram!"
"Oh, well... I'll stay here and take a look, why don't you guys go home first?"
"Okay, be careful later. Be sure to get back early."
Mr. Morita told me.
So, after separating from my senior sister, I went on to the fireworks display area to see more spectacular fireworks. After watching the fireworks for a while, I felt that something was missing, and remembering the crowded trains in Tokyo, I decided to leave 15 minutes earlier. As I was about to turn around, I saw a tsunami of people rushing towards the station. I realized that I usually don't see the end of the fireworks display in Japan, or else I would have to suffer the pain of the crowded trams.
If I'm with a partner or family member, I can take my time to enjoy the show, wait until the crowd clears, and then go home together. I look forward to the day when I have someone who can accompany me to enjoy the whole show with me.
Related Resources
- "The 75th Kawasaki Municipal System Memorial Tama River Fireworks Festival" - Miyamae Ward Tourism Association
- "Tamagawa Kaminomizu - Kotoba Magazine
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