Explosive night spectacle unfolds in Dusseldorf, Germany, as Japanese pyrotechnicians flair their renowned fireworks expertise. - Gigantic Japanese pyrotechnics detonated in Düsseldorf
Large-Caliber Japanese Fireworks Light Up Düsseldorf's Night Sky
Düsseldorf, Germany, will witness a spectacle of vibrant colors and intricate patterns in the night sky this weekend, as Japanese fireworks featuring large caliber firework shells illuminate the city. Hideki Kubota and Martin Schmitz, organizers of the event, explained that the emphasis in Japan is on large-caliber firework shells, each one considered a small work of art, contrasting European shows that focus more on the combinations of different items to create an overall picture.
The motifs for the fireworks have evolved over the years, with new effect combinations and color transformations. Traditional methods of production continue to be used, despite changes in the ingredients used, such as chemicals.
Preparations for the event took two days and involved three pyrotechnicians from Japan and about 20 German colleagues. The production of shell-bombs with a diameter of 175 millimeters - the largest caliber in the Düsseldorf show - takes a total of three weeks. Various work steps are involved, such as the production of stars and the so-called break charge, as well as filling and sealing the paper shells.
Hideki Kubota, one of the organizers, noted that there is no school for pyrotechnics in Japan, and one learns the skills and knowledge through cooperation with older, experienced pyrotechnicians in the respective companies. The intricate process requires significant knowledge and experience to execute a safe and impressive display.
When asked if further events outside of Japan are planned, Hideki Kubota explained that the fireworks in Düsseldorf is currently the only event. The very elaborate transport of hazardous goods often makes shows abroad impossible. The firework bodies, with a total weight of about 450 kilograms, arrived in Germany in a container by ship from Japan.
The Japanese fireworks will be the grand finale for the Japan Day in Düsseldorf on Saturday, with hundreds of thousands of visitors expected. The program includes singing, dancing, sports, and other activities. This year's fireworks motto is "Explore Japan - A night sky full of magic." Düsseldorf serves as the center of the Japanese community in Germany.
In contrast to European fireworks, Japanese fireworks make use of traditional techniques, emphasizing vibrant colors and spherical explosions, known as "shakudama," which require precise control over the explosive's timing and spread. Japanese fireworks also frequently feature large calibers, providing spectacular effects, including extended color displays and larger bursts. European fireworks, on the other hand, tend to offer a wide range of effects, including crackling sounds, spinning stars, and diverse themes, often incorporating modern technologies and advanced chemical compositions to achieve their desired effects. European displays often rely on computer-controlled systems for synchronization, allowing for complex and precise choreography.
- The Japan Day in Düsseldorf will see the implementation of a 'community policy' this year, with the motto "Explore Japan - A night sky full of magic," focusing on showcasing the unique and traditional 'lifestyle' of Japanese outdoor-living, including the spectacular 'sports' of Japanese fireworks.
- The 'entertainment' offered during the event includes the grand finale, the Japanese fireworks display, which is known for its vibrant colors and spherical explosions, a testament to the 'home-and-garden' craftsmanship that goes into each 'employment policy' in the production process.
- In contrast, European fireworks shows tend to emphasize a 'lifestyle' that relies on a diverse range of effects and advanced chemical compositions, with 'employment policies' that focus on modern technologies and computer-controlled systems for synchronization, creating complex and precise choreographies.
