To compensate for the cancellation of the annual summer Sumida River Fireworks Festival because of the spread of novel coronavirus infections, the Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, wants to spark some joy by offering visitors the opportunity to "experience" viewing fireworks.
"We'd like to brighten the public's spirits, which have been dampened by corona, by having people view [video footage of past] firework exhibitions," an official in charge of the event said.
The official asserts that this year's program will contribute to boosting the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in the years to come.
Accompanying multiple sounds of "Boom!" were videos of past fireworks shows taken from the Skytree and projected onto a window at the Tembo Deck viewing area 350 meters above ground.
"I haven't been to the Sumida River Fireworks [show] before, but the videos provided vivid images and made me feel as if I was viewing genuine fireworks," said a 31-year-old female company employee from Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. She was visiting the 634-meter-high tower with a friend.
Some form of an event has been organized by the Skytree operator every year for visitors to enjoy viewing Sumida River Fireworks in person.
As something to replace the canceled annual fireworks exhibition this year, videos of past fireworks are projected by using windows as makeshift screens in the hopes that visitors can simply experience the atmosphere of the annual festival.
In addition to this event, Skytree regularly holds a light show that projects fireworks being set off and mimics the sparks bounding down the structure. That show starts at 7 p.m. every day this month.
Videos shown on the Tembo Deck can also be seen on Tokyo Skytree's official YouTube channel.
Said the official in charge: "We want the people to visit the Skytree to experience the powerful and beautiful images of fireworks, and for those living in remote areas to enjoy viewing fireworks as well via the Internet."
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