How Japanese Fireworks are Made & Launched ★ ONLY in JAPAN
Ойын-сауық
Japan makes some of the world's best fireworks including record breaking giant sized shells like the Yonshakudama! We'll head to a prestigious fireworks factory in Akita to see how they're made.
The process includes 1) Milling 2) Granulation 3) Loading 4) Pasting
The secrets of the trade are passed down from one generation to the next, family businesses that have been producing fireworks since the Meiji era. The larger the firework shell, the longer it takes to grow the stars or black pellets needed. They start as ceramic balls the size of a sesame seed and grow day by day, taking a month or more to make a Shakudama 3cm star.
The Shakudama is a 18.5kg / 19 lb beast that you'll see launched at festivals outside Tokyo and urban areas. They get larger than that! The ni-shakudama, san-shakudama and yon-shakudama will literally blow you away with it's 750m launch height and width.
00:00 Start
02:00 Giant Firework Sizes & Details
02:42 World's Largest Firework Shell, YONSHAKUDAMA
04:20 Fireworks Factory, How it's Made
08:48 Loading the Firework Shells
15:18 Setting up the Launch Site
19:47 Japanese Fireworks Culture & History
22:54 Fireworks Launch Event
27:05 Large Shell Fireworks Launch
★ Supported by the Japan HANABI Association 一般社団法人日本花火推進協力会
Thank you very much! URL: hanabi2020.jp/en/art/
★ The ONLY in JAPAN Animated Opening was created for John by D'ART Shtajio dartshtajio.com/
◉ Media Inquiries & Questions: Please contact me through onlyinjapan.tv
ONLY in JAPAN ® is a registered trademark - All rights reserved. John Daub has been a reporter for NHK World TV since 2008 and KZread creator & producer of the ONLY in JAPAN ® series building a community of over 1.6M. Thanks for watching!
#onlyinjapan #fireworks #howitsmade
Пікірлер: 1 300
Very nice video! One thing that wasn't mentioned is that the employees of the firework company touched a grounding plate before entering the drying room to prevent electrostatic discharges that might ignite the fireworks.
@onlyinjapan
2 жыл бұрын
You saw that! Yes, it’s true, in the wall before entering. This is especially important in winter when it’s very dry. I didn’t mention a lot of things and I will probably do another fireworks episode with a different angle next year :)
@mohdaiman9426
Жыл бұрын
L
@mohdaiman9426
Жыл бұрын
P
@mohdaiman9426
Жыл бұрын
🙏
@mohdaiman9426
Жыл бұрын
@@onlyinjapan p
As a pyrotechnician from norway, i truly apritiate the shells from japan. We usually buy Chinese shells, but for special ocations/really expensive show's, we go for japanese, maltese or spanish shells. This is pure art, and the people putting the time and effort into each shell, is nothing less than an artist. It is truly amazing to see the difference between a japanese shell and a chinese mass produced one. Hopefully i will be able to travel to japan for a few festivals in the future! That is one for the bucketlist! Good video, love to see the production behind these shells!
@jumpscareagency6889
2 жыл бұрын
A question where do you buy all these shells tho
@HenryTravels92
2 жыл бұрын
@@jumpscareagency6889 I am sorry, but i will not provide that information as it is explosives we are talking about :)
@jumpscareagency6889
2 жыл бұрын
@@HenryTravels92 that's ok how much do you all cost for service for special event new year Eve etc etc
@HenryTravels92
2 жыл бұрын
@@jumpscareagency6889 approx 1000£ pr minute is the standard price in norway. that includes obv the technicians, all the firework and the work that is put into it pre and post show.
@brookeggleston9314
Жыл бұрын
FYI: appreciate
I don't care what age you are, fireworks are always such a joy to see!! This was awesome John!!! Cheers to many more years of Only in Japan!
@onlyinjapan
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely! They light up the night and ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved them - so to see them made like this and FIRE THEM UP - is a childhood dream come true *\(^o^)/* time to live out the rest of my childhood dreams. Never too old!!
24:45 is by far the most impressive piece of fireworks i've ever seen! Five different vibrant colors with a very even distribution, and if that wasn't enough the colors shift several times during expansion. I never knew something like this was even possible in just one shell. Awesome piece of craftsmanship!
@NefariousEnough
Жыл бұрын
Shay-shay qwan-ee.
@starcluster2593
Жыл бұрын
THE COLORS CHANGED
@herrhaber9076
Жыл бұрын
Find some firework competitions in Japan videos on KZread and you'll be amazed. Japanese firework makers are absolutely the best at multi stage effects.
@stevethea5250
Жыл бұрын
@@NefariousEnough ??
@stevethea5250
Жыл бұрын
@@herrhaber9076 what happened to one blast of firework only?20:00
Japan has the best fireworks. There is a old traditional method of firing shells using a red hot link of chain put into the bottom of the mortar. The bottom of the shells have only tissue paper around the lift charge and the shells are dropped in by hand as each shell is fired off by the hot link of chain. It's a method that's banned in Australia but is used traditionally in Japan where it's common for a display to be just single shells being fired to fully appreciate the beauty of the firework. Japanese also do excellent 'peanut shells' where say a 5" will also have a 4" shell using the same lifter. Great footage here of the making processes which is normally shrouded in secrecy.
@supershifter2862
Жыл бұрын
Is such a process also banned in U.S ? Where should I look for firework laws?
@yeeebayeeba4268
10 ай бұрын
No way. China makes the best. Have you ever lit off one of those little tanks? 1 out 11 usually work somewhat.
@juhexek
10 ай бұрын
@@yeeebayeeba4268 Where did you get this statistic from? lmao
@yeeebayeeba4268
10 ай бұрын
@@juhexek experience
@NUN822
10 ай бұрын
🤓
From the building of the shells to the launch and explosion of beauty in the sky. 🎆 Fireworks powered by rice 🍚 It was great to re-live the show and the shell for Leo was amazing! Happy to have been one of the backers along with @Kerry Larsen. Thanks John! 👍🎆
Years ago I went to Fujisawa for a Hanabi celebration & it was an amazing couple of hours of fireworks!! There was the biggest crowd of people I have ever seen in my life on the beach watching it !! Japan truly is the most AWESOME place to see fireworks!! SUGOI!!
@Outland9000
Жыл бұрын
I really need to go one year!
The one that you and your sons hand prints were on. That was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The small yet powerful beginning, the wide explosion of a beautiful burning red, that turns to falling embers that all explode together after a suspenseful fall from the sky. The intellect that goes into such a design, that man put his heart into your firework to make it as cinematic as possible. I can only respect that and appreciate his dedication to the craft. Japan has dominated fireworks with intellectual ability. I nearly cried at some of the rainbow colored patterns nearing the middle of that show. Just amazing.
@onlyinjapan
Жыл бұрын
I was very emotional seeing it too. I live streamed it on my mobile stream channel: kzread.info/dash/bejne/emhtsM6ClcjLgpc.html
Looking at the amount of details and intricacies put into each shell, I realize why Japanese are contented watching just ONE.
I feel like I just watched a story being told through fireworks. Fabulous!!!
I love Japanese craftsman… They are so precise and exact. They are so smooth and consistent. It truly is amazing and comforting.
17:54 an event backed by an online community, that is crazy, congratulations Only in Japan fans !
Maybe I'm a little crazy about fireworks. But I've always loved seeing fireworks not only for the summer but for Christmas, and new years too.
@onlyinjapan
2 жыл бұрын
I can watch them anytime of the year. There is something special about them in the clear winter skies. Summer isn't the best time actually - humidity sort of dims the colors.
I had no idea. That was the most beautiful and impressive fireworks display I've seen. I was impressed through the screen
To all five companies, arigato gyozaimas. Your display was magnificent, and as a long term viewer I'm deeply grateful!
100% an artist, an architect, an engineer of a creative mind.
Thanks for sharing this experience. I’ll never forget my first Japanese fireworks festival in August 1997 in Tokyo. It will always be a fond experience to me. And congratulations on your son. Best wishes to your entire family.
It felt like too long knowing each shell is made for months just for only one shot but each one is beautiful and worth it to see. They're all great and I bet it's better if seen in person. The multicolored ones and the ones that make several smaller fireworks after launch looked really nice.
I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture and tradition. They find beauty in everything and strive for excellence in even the smallest things. Definitely at the top of my bucket list and when I go I want to see these fireworks!!
@LoveInYourMouth
Жыл бұрын
Fiat-Chrysler could learn a lot from them.
@teeess9551
Жыл бұрын
And the women can make great girlfriends
@Saurabhguptq
Жыл бұрын
@@LoveInYourMouth kl
@timg6176
3 ай бұрын
Hopefully you aren't American... Because many will not like you in Japan if you are.
Finally it was worth waiting a year for a 28:27 minutes video. i bought a 4k tv just for this day i save money since last year to buy it. this made my day after all the stress. Thank you John for an amazing content as expected of you❤️
The more of these types of videos i watch, the more my respect grows for the Japanese
It’s things like this why I admire Japan so much they have kept their traditions of ultra high quality everything including Amazing People!!! Thanks for the video bro 💯🇳🇿🖤🤙
Why can't I stop loving Japan 😩❤️
When Japanese do soemtbjng, it’s done to perfection
Great background John. Love getting to learn about the 'who' in Japan. Lovely to see a family business continue for so long. Don't forget your thumbs up everyone! 👍🎆
@KSPRAYDAD
2 жыл бұрын
@@johorbahru3214if you'd like to not be part of the community you can easily not visit. John is transparent on Kickstarter how the funds were used. You can directly ask him rather than making unfounded accusations.
Japan is so awesome! I don’t understand how they do those smiley face fireworks! They blow my mind & heart shaped ones too! They are extremely cool culture of people & every Japanese person I have ever known has been really special & talented in many different things! ✌️🙏♥️😎
This is why my electric guitar, motorcycles and cars are made in Japan 😎
I have been looking forward to this episode since the last crowd-funded fireworks display, and was worth the wait! I never knew how much went into just one motar. Well done John-san as always!
This is probably one of the most amazing art forms, so when you asked him if he considers himself an artist. I can speak for him and say he is absolutely 100% an artist. When you've developed techniques and have trade secrets when it comes to your craft, you are absolutely an artist. This isn't easy and it's very technical, this is an exact science an art form that relies on testing and experience. So yes he's absolutely an artist.
@herrhaber9076
Жыл бұрын
Lacroix-Ruggieri slogan is "we paint the sky". Yes, no doubt it's an art. Not only making the shells themselves but desining the show
John this was an awesome episode. I was kinda familiar with how fireworks were made back home. But this was a truly eye opening experience and thanks as always for showing these awesome experiences
I did a solo trip to Japan & I went during the summer/autumn fireworks season so I could view the incredible san-shakudama as they say. I was not let down. That immense cannonball explodes to cover the whole damn sky from half a kilometre off the ground. It sent shivers down my spine.
I'm convinced being in the states I've never seen good fireworks. I'm mostly joking, but there definitely is something behind the craft the Japanese makers use to make the fireworks making their shows that much more meaningful. Don't get me wrong I've had fun jamming out to fireworks and the latest hot pop songs blaring at the same time, but their peace and serenity was lovely. I will definitely plan my trip to Japan around a time when I can see a fireworks show. I can't imagine how a yon-shakudama looks in person, that must truly be a site to see.
Ich habe riesen Respekt vor dieser Habdwerkskunst, vielen Dank für die tollen Bilder.
Most people visit Japan in Spring for the Cherry Blossom. As a person who loves the art of Pyrotechnics and fireworks, I have to go in Summer some time before I die. On my bucket list for sure. Thanks for the video, this was amazing
@onlyinjapan
Жыл бұрын
Right, summer is the best but Omagari in Akita does have firework festivals 4 times a year including winter. The air is clearer in the cold, the fireworks seem more vivid to me.
I'll donate for sure next Firework Event
Not even getting caught up in the culture or hype. Japanese fireworks makers are thoroughly dedicated to the purity of the craft. More than money and mass production. You can see it in the colors and tempo of each blast. Even on video these are amazing fireworks.
Some of the best fireworks I ever saw was while in Okinawa. One of my favorite shells did not have stars, so when it burst, I didn't understand at first why it was dark, then all the rockets took off with bright colors and going everywhere, and then they all ended with salutes. Sky was filled with rockets crossing paths in what looked like a grid. Absolutely fantastic shell. One of my all time favorites. I have see a cheap copy in the usa, but in comparison, it was loaded with bees instead of good rockets. They were dim, flew very briefly and went out.
@EBchain
Жыл бұрын
They make it for passion there vs profit here
Beautiful video John! Always love the intro music and graphics at the start of your videos. I can only imagine how loud those Shakudama are when they're set off because they're so huge! I vividly remember watching this live during your livestream. It was awesome!Thank you for sharing this! Can't wait for your next project.
Wow... This is so much better than the live-streamed version!
That was awesome! I won't be as excited about firework displays here in the USA, as before seeing this!
Great episode, John! Those were definitely some beautiful fireworks. You can see the pride they take in making them.
Perfectly narrated, everything was explained spot on. Great job John.
The quality in craftsmanship and the very vibrant colors are second to none. Thank you for this documentary showing us the rich culture and heritage of Japan John San.
John, just have to say that as always, you really put some real care into capturing the spirit of this art and culture. You deserve the world, and the fact that you are dedicated enough to this that you have rebuilt a channel is nothing but admirable. Love the content, and will continue to watch the vids as long as you make em!
That fireworks show was probably one of the best I've seen, ever. But why is no one talking about the Emojis at 26:32? They painted fricking smileys in the night sky - what the heck!
@RexxDIY
Жыл бұрын
I know right?! 😱
@MasDik27
Жыл бұрын
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
@roger0929
Жыл бұрын
Ummm... smiley face fireworks were around long before emojis! LOL
I love to listen to my favorite song Katy Perry's Firework while sipping a margarita. Living the life
@user-cn3bb3so9t
Ай бұрын
There's Kim Jong un 😭
Perfectly narrated, everything was explained spot on. Great job John.. Perfectly narrated, everything was explained spot on. Great job John..
Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this happen! Very cool!!. This deserves millions of views, absolutely fascinating content.
Magnificent show! Never heard of this tradition and wouldn't hesitate visiting such a beautiful festival, if chance came up. Thanks for sharing the impressive craftsmanship 🙏🏻
A wonderful video on the making of the fireworks, history of them in Japan and the OIJ display. Loved the one chosen for the birth of Leo too. This was a most enjoyable "show". Great work John, sophisticated too!
I love all you Japanese people you all are so very kind people from America awesome fireworks
This is premium content, folks. And they set off fireworks specially for Only in Japan? Wow!
When im ever in Japan, I really would like to see something like that. It looks soooooo awesome. That guy is very modest, he is a great artist :)
This was, by far, a super interesting episode! So much prep involved in something that in a few instants goes boom and disappears!
Oh I didn't realize John is back, now I'm back
What an interesting and great documentary about japanese fireworks. I had a lot of fun while looking. This is one of my favourite videos from Only in Japan. 😍🎊
I didn't expect that first explosion to look like that. Beautiful and amazing. All that work for a few seconds then boom. 💥
One of the most well-produced videos you've ever made, John. My only regret is I didn't watch this a month ago when you premiered it!
@onlyinjapan
2 жыл бұрын
I’ll keep trying to top it :)
@joneidbo
Жыл бұрын
So, realize the exact recipe of the star powder was a trade secret, but would have been nice if they would given some insight into what is used for coloring.. it is my understanding the coloring is from very toxic heavy metals and hence the extreme breathing protection cartridge type for the workers.. :( fireworks inject toxic heavy metals into the air.:( do not watch down wind from the explosions. better yet do not go.
From hitchhiking to raising a family and sponsoring a fireworks display, that's kind of awesome John. Happy New year and thank you for sharing all these years.
Hearing Peter von Gomm's voice twice in a video was a treat 👍
The camera shots during the launch are epic!
This is such an amazing video and again, it's incredibly interesting to learn the history of Fireworks and how special they are in Japan So glad to see you and your family doing well as well, it's great to see you back
I had never known fireworks could be so beautiful until I saw Japanese fireworks. They put others to shame!
Thank You for your channel. I just came across it today and I am hooked by 1 episode already. I wished I knew about this tradition 5 years ago. I would have had a 1 dedicated to the birth of my daughter Miyuna. Seeing you dedicate one to your son has me in a bit of teary eyes...such a blessing when we become parents. Thank You again for sharing this with the world.
I mostly prefer content like this. Educational and fun to watch. Thank you so much 🤩👍🏻
When the guy was putting the two halves together by hand I was thinking there has to be a better way! lol I would be freaking out trying to do that. How do they do that with the huge ones?😮 I'm so glad they let you in to view this much of the process. I figured this is all pretty secretive!! Excellent video John!! So glad that you made a new one of these on the new channel.
@deadby15
2 жыл бұрын
I was uneasy he might spill big time. LOL.
@onlyinjapan
2 жыл бұрын
Me too! It can’t be easy, it’s heavy! I think this is all SKILL, what professional practice to do and do better than anyone else. It’s great that machines can do a lot for us but this is something that should continue to be made by hand, the way they’ve done it for the last 5 generations. Thanks for watching this one *\(^o^)/*
@AlChemicalLife
2 жыл бұрын
In japan , when they get so big , alot of time they cut the hemi into 3 parts and fill the first hemi normally , than add the second hemi that is cut in half, fill it with the burst charge than load the stars around it, than the top of the hemi that was cut off is added on and taped over. The shell is than pasted and finished as normal. There is a great book on Japanese fireworks FAST , Fireworks Art Science and technique. If you are interested in fireworks I recommend picking up this book and reading it ! :)
@kipdrippers
2 жыл бұрын
There is an easier way you can wrap one half with saran wrap or tissue paper tightly you can slowly put them together if you want.. these guys have been doing it for years so they could do it the hard way no problem
@jsowe91
Жыл бұрын
Okay
I am from Bharata (India) can I import them or the other company which deals with that process please reply John This is the best detailed video I ever seen in my life You nailed it
My mouth was basically hanging open for this entire video. This is incredible
What a beautiful thing we all helped to do. What a beautiful thing they created. Congrats John, brilliant work!
John, thank you for providing this glimpse into the fireworks traditions of Japan. We hope to visit Japan again sooner than later.
I absolutely admire the cleanliness and order to their shop! discipline and honor are a trademark in industry like these. Pride of work is so very important in whatever you do!
Great start for the channel in 2022. Interesting to see the process behind the fireworks. Great job John and the OiJ community!
Applause ... this is a fabulous piece with a truly spectacular end! You do such good work in sharing Japan with us ... thanks. Tomiko
Excellent video, John! Thank you for a look into the meticulous work involved in making fireworks. Pre-pandemic I was able to watch fireworks every Friday night. Thanks for filling the void.
I've always loved pyrotechnics! Had I been told to do what I love (instead of the common occupational suggestions), this would be my career. Thank you for this!
More of this please ❤️❤️ every year i came to Japantag at Düsseldorf to watch the Japanese fireworks, its absolutely from another level. The bangs are very loud and colors are so clear! It's truly amazing and an art of precision. It's nice to see that Japanese fireworks is different from Chinese or Maltese and Spanish fireworks. All of them are different and all of them are unique, imposant and satisfying in there one way.
@GrandmasterGg
Жыл бұрын
Well.. Japanese fireworks is clearly and undisputedly in 1nd place.. Absolute master class..👌🏻 Followed by the Maltese in 2nd place.. That's the way it is.. The precision, the brilliance of the colors and effects of Japanese pyrotechnics is unique and unsurpassed..!!! Personally, I would not even mention China, many others would follow before it was China's turn..
Once again John, thank you so much for the effort that you put into your videos. This is priceless.
Very educative and beautiful to watch these handmade fireworks. Best one for me were the smiley faces at 26:32. Incredible how they made it!
So happy I tripped across this... amazing peek behind the scenes into the complicated firework making process. Thank you!
Man props to the artists... I'd be sweating every. Single....second....of the entirety of the time it takes to make and launch it.... The cajones!! Respect!!
John a very informative and fun vlog
John, the detail you go into at the fireworks factory was fascinating! Thanks!
They are huge and astonishing! I'm glad that I've backed this project, it's so worth it! 🎆🎆🎆
ONLY IN JAPAN!!! That was out of this world!!! Thank you for taking your time and effort to put this all together for us!!!! WOW!!!
Now THIS is a great way to start the new year! And that show at the end was world-class. I work at a very well known happy place and we do fireworks every night....but not like these. Each explosion was like biting into freshly made udon; theres just not one way to explain it, and theres no way to fake it. Phenomenal episode and work as usual my good sir.
Whoa didn't know this is something I'll be curious to see from Japan. Thanks as always for your work, John!
WOW , the shock-your-mama is one of the biggest fireworks I've ever seen , thanks for showing us my friends !!! 👍😃🎇
one of the coolest parts is the one dedicated to your child. That’s so special and meaningful! 😊
Awesome episode John! I saw little Leo in there for a few seconds at the end :)
@onlyinjapan
2 жыл бұрын
You saw that? Nice! Yes, Leo got his own Shakudama with hand print 😁👶👩🏻🎆
@leodalitz6885
2 жыл бұрын
@@onlyinjapan Another great video John, great job in naming Leo :).
@ptg4178
2 жыл бұрын
Oh same. Clone Leo as in Leo GO
@Kelvin_Foo
2 жыл бұрын
Is this the "Spiderman pointing at Spiderman meme" but on KZread? 🤣
@ntr10me
2 жыл бұрын
Haha, waiting for ONLY in Japan 360 to join the chat now. Fun video as always.
Disney: We are very famous for our spectacular fireworks- Japan: *Hold my sake* My favorite fact about fireworks: The Walt Disney Company is the largest consumer of fireworks in the world, and the second largest purchaser of explosive devices (after the US military). Yup, all because of the shows that they do at their parks nightly.
This EP brings me a lot of joy. Thank you, guys.
Makes me appreciate fireworks even more, that’s a ton of work
Thanks for this great video to kick off 2022 and we know that it has been a very long time in the making. Hope that this channel continues to grow as normalcy returns and travel reopens.
Simply amazing! Thank you only in Japan! Thank you Japan!
@phillipfisher1249
Жыл бұрын
They are good at fireworks
it really feels like a mini documentary, youre the best!
Their fireworks are almost real straight from anime show, really lovely colors I never seen before and the motion fires in fl0wer shapes. Fantastic !
I've *REALLY* been looking forward to these fireworks vids and documentary. And I'll be enjoying the fireworks show video tomorrow! Great work once again 🍻👍 and loved the factory insight.
This was awesome! I've never seen fireworks being made before. That was fasinating! I love the ones that were changing colors as they exploded, so beautiful. 🎆😊
My favorite thing about fireworks is the sound. i would love to hear the percussion from shells this big.
I don’t think I can ever watch one in the states again, my next fireworks show has to be in Japan. That was beautiful!!!