Anticipating the state of emergency to be lifted nationwide as soon as possible, a project is underway to set off fireworks across the nation in June.
As the novel coronavirus epidemic has led to the cancellation of many large-scale fireworks displays scheduled for this summer, the Cheer up! Hanabi (fireworks) project is being conducted in the hopes that the virus situation will settle down and to pass down fireworks techniques.
The Japan Pyrotechnics Association's youth group initiated the project, with some members proposing it to fireworks-related businesses in early May after the Golden Week holidays. As of Tuesday, about 130 firms in 46 of the nation's 47 prefectures had expressed their willingness to take part.
Scheduled for early June, the fireworks event has set some rules to prevent the further spread of the virus: no encouraging of spectators to gather and having the fireworks displays last no longer than five minutes. The group has launched a website (https://www.cheeruphanabi.com) where videos of the fireworks will be uploaded.
The production of fireworks shells usually reaches its peak before the rainy season starts, according to the group, but many of this year's major displays have been canceled, such as the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo in July and the one on the Abe River in June in Shizuoka.
Having too much stock of fireworks shells will eventually lead to their production being suspended, meaning artisans could find it difficult to pass down specialized techniques, the group said.
"Holding fireworks displays is said to have originated as prayers for expelling plagues," a group member said. "We hope that spectators will have smiles on their faces when they see the fireworks."
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