Summer tradition
What do you imagine summer?
Many Japanese people would say, “Fireworks!”
Fireworks have become a well-established summer tradition, but when and how did they spread?
The origin of fireworks seems to be traced back to China during the Qin Shi Huang era, and it is said to be the black powder used for signal smoke.
Then, when did the gorgeous fireworks that entertain our eyes like today?
When gunpowder originating in China reached the flower city of Florence along the Silk Road, fireworks to entertain and show were launched there.
It spread to Europe from the 16th century to the 17th century, and it seems that the fireworks display was held in the 18th century.
When is it important in Japan? There is a theory that the gunpowder was introduced from Portugal and the gunpowder was brought in.
Over time, it seems that an epidemic occurred throughout Edo during the Edo period.
It is said that Ieyasu Tokugawa first saw the ornamental fireworks in 1613.
Fireworks have completely blended into the culture of Edo!
It seems that the famous “Fireworks of Ryogoku” also started in the Edo period. During the time of Yoshimune Tokugawa, famine and plague seemed to be a pandemic in Edo, but it is said that the shogunate held a fireworks display to pay for the plague.
I am deeply impressed by the earnest wishes that the fireworks display has begun at the national level.
Since it was at that time, of course, it didn’t seem to be as gorgeous as the current tournament (only a single orange color).
It is not until the end of the 19th century that chemicals (color formers) are imported that beautiful colors, which are said to be beauty competitions, can be seen.
In the long history of fireworks, Japanese fireworks will develop independently.
The techniques of fireworks masters such as Tamaya and Locksmith have evolved steadily, and it seems that the technique of fireworks, which is called gimmick fireworks and splits, has reached the level that is not an exaggeration to say that it is the best in the world.
If you ask me, Japanese fireworks are more artistic than the world’s fireworks.
You may feel a different atmosphere when you look at the fireworks while thinking about the history of fireworks and the handicraft skills of fireworks masters.
By Admin|2016-07-12|2016,News Release|