Nagaoka fireworks festival has its origins in Nagaoka’s history. On August first, 1945 Nagaoka was bombed by B29 bombers; the city was decimated and 80% of the urban area was engulfed in flames. 1486 people lost their lives in this tragic event. One year later, that very day, the Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival took place to commemorate the lives lost, and the people that helped reconstruct Nagaoka. This later became the Nagaoka Festival.
Fireworks like no other
If you have ever been in Japan chances are that you are aware of their fireworks displays. To put it mildly, they are out of this world. As you stand there admiring the colors exploding onto the night sky, you can feel a shockwave go through the air. It is a marvelous experience. You can go almost anywhere in the country to see these incredible displays but, I am going to introduce a special one. The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, which is ranked among the top three fireworks displays in Japan.
Origins of the Nagaoka Festival
August first, 1945. Nagaoka was targeted in a bombing raid. B29s came in and dropped bombs all over the city. An approximate 80% of the urban area was destroyed in the attack. Exactly one year later, on August first, 1946, the Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival took place for the very first time. With that festival, the people of Nagaoka commemorated the 1486 lives lost in the bombing raids. They showed their appreciation for the people that were working tirelessly to bring the city back from the ashes. It was also a prayer for permanent peace in the world. Later, this festival became what we now call the Nagaoka Festival. The festival we have today is also in support for the people affected by the Niigata earthquake in 2004. This festival has been an annual event since its formation and takes place on the 1st, 2nd and, 3rd of August.
The highlight of the festival
The undeniable main attraction is the Phoenix. Serving both as an apt metaphor, and a wonderful highlight of the festival. The Phoenix we know from fairy tales and legends would die in a blaze of fire, only to rise from the ashes and be reborn again. Similarly, Nagaoka was engulfed in flames and reduced to ashes, only to rise again. Therefore, the highlight of the show is called The Phoenix. Before the Phoenix begins an announcer speaks. The announcer begins by sharing fours words with the crowds. Revival, gratitude, bravery, and Peace. These four words are values they want you to keep in your heart as you watch the Phoenix. In 2017, and some years before that they did something slightly unique. When they launched the fireworks, they started to play music. in 2017 the used the song “Jupiter”, performed by Hirahara Ayaka. If you look up either the Nagaoka Phoenix 2017 or Jupiter on the web you will be able to see the fireworks as well as listen to the song. If you take the time to do that and listen closely to the lyrics, you might notice that it is a very fitting song. It brings forth the values and belief that they want to share with this festival. The Phoenix, a firework display two thousand meters across, is absolutely worth going to see with your own eyes.
Souvenirs and rules
Getting souvenirs is almost a mandatory part of attending an event. And luckily, the Nagaoka Festival has a wide variety of souvenirs available. Fireworks themed t-shirts, rice crackers and miso are just some of the goods available for the visitors. Manners and rules are also a part of this event. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. Taking pictures must be done in a manner that doesn’t obstruct the view of other people attending. They also warn against going by car as there have been traffic jams in the past. So going by train might be the best option here.
How to Visit?
Niigata is located in the Chubu on Honshu. It stretches for 240 kilometers along the Sea of Japan. It is a beautiful prefecture, and as of 2014, roughly 25% of the land area was designated as national park ground. Going from Tokyo to Nagaoka takes about an hour and forty-five minutes. To find the right train you have to find platform 23, there you will find the Shinkansen that is bound to Niigata. The ride costs 8,430yen. Optionally you can go by normal trains. Which takes a lot more time but is about half the price. For those traveling on a budget, it might be the best alternative. From Tokyo to Nagaoka by normal train, it takes five hours and thirty minutes. There are two points of transfer. First, go from Tokyo, look for the train headed towards Maebashi, and change trains at Takazaki. Find the train going towards Minakami, upon you can find a train that goes to Nagaoka. It only costs 4.750yen to go by normal train. But if you do, make sure that you go very early, and that you have booked a hotel in Nagaoka.
