insights from frontier Japan

The ‘35th Kita no Daimonji’ New Year event was held at Hinode Park in the town of Kamifurano in northern Hokkaido. The huge ‘Dai’ (large) character was written in flames on the slope of the park, as those involved celebrated the coming of the New Year and wished for an early resolution to the coronavirus pandemic.

The ‘Kushiro Autumn Night Drone Show,’ an event in which small drones fitted with LEDs illuminate the night sky, was held at open rest areas near the Kushiro River estuary on the night of October 30. After the show, a surprise fireworks display was held, entertaining approximately 700 visitors.

　Flower-like illuminations in the night sky were enjoyed by city residents through the windows of approximately 500 vehicles that almost filled a special venue adjacent to the Mitara Muroran Michi-no-Eki (roadside station), where a “Drive-in Muroran Fireworks Display” was held on the night of March 20. As infections from the Coronavirus continue, participants got together in a bid to restore some vigor to the region.

The "Toyako Onsen Winter Fireworks Festival" has started. It is lighting up the sky at the Toyako Onsen hot spring district (central Hokkaido). For five minutes from 8:30 every evening, tourists are treated to fireworks and music.

A famous event at the Noboribetsu hot spring, “Hell Valley Demon Fireworks,” was held on the night of September 19 at the Horobetsu Elementary School field in central Hokkaido’s Noboribetsu City. Pillars of fire shoot up from fireworks held in the hands of performers.

"Drive-in Fireworks" were viewable from the comfort of your own car on August 23 at Takino Suzuran Hillside Park in Sapporo's Minami Ward.

Ganbare Asahikawa, Surprise Fireworks" was held at a ski resort in Asahikawa on the night of July 17 as a symbol of hope for the quick abatement of the novel coronavirus pandemic.