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August 15, 2006

Hanabi [fireworks]

“Feature Designs” introduces Japanese commercial designs, traditional artworks, and culture.
And today's theme is fireworks.
Fireworks are called feature of summer in Japan. It is seasonal tradition of summer.
The event which tons of fireworks are launched is called "fireworks displays" in Japan.
There are many exhibitions of fireworks during summer not only in a big city as Tokyo but in a small town in a country side.
Still now, fireworks are loved by people.
Various passions and technologies are put together for the moment of only a few seconds that fireworks shine.
In fact, Japanese culture of fireworks that is known as the most wonderful technology in the world.

Most people do not know how fireworks appear.
To tell the truth, the root of fireworks is not Japan.
In ancient China, signal fire was used for emergency sign in third century B.C. and it was the origin of fireworks.
After that, gunpowder was spread to Rome through the Silk Road.
Then Ornamental fireworks have started from Florence in Italy.
Later fireworks come to Japan, and they were developed rapidly.
Various chemicals are introduced, and it developed in the distinctive style of Japan like changing color.
Especially the technology of changing colors several times can be seen in only Japan.
Because Japanese are dexterity, a variety of fireworks such as huge fireworks and toy fireworks, are produced.
Then fireworks made in Japan have been exported.
And, fireworks of Japan have grown up to the best fireworks in the world.

Here, we introduce how a master makes a firework.
First, he put gunpowder called “star” into the globe called “ball” which is made of paper.
Next, he lights a fuse and launches the ball.
When the “ball” reaches at a point that the fuse burns out and gunpowder begins to burn.
Then “ball” bursts and “star” flies asunder.
There are various types like the one burns while pulling the trail of light, the one explodes while falling and changes the color at that time.
However, the detail of the technology is secret.

Nowadays, a variety of kinds of fireworks, from big fireworks to toy fireworks like Japanese sparkler, has been made.
There are hundreds of kinds for each type of fireworks.
Here are some examples of famous fireworks.

Japanese soul and passion are put in the moment that fireworks shine in the sky.
They make one firework for only the several seconds.
You should see the fireworks and feel the eternal passion.

entry dj : August 15, 2006 3:05 PM