Travel

World's largest fireworks illuminate Niigata sky

TOKYO, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - A breathtaking display of Yonshakudama (Four Shaku Ball) fireworks -- an 800-meter "gigantic flower" in the sky, weighing 420kg -- took place at the Katagai Festival in Niigata over the weekend.

The festival, which boast a 400-year-history, launched fireworks as an offering to the local shrine, and they carried various wishes, including celebrations of life milestones such as weddings and childbirth, prayers for good health, and remembrance of departed family members.

Over the course of two days, a total of 15,000 fireworks were launched.

When the centerpiece, the Yonshakudama, burst into the night sky, the crowd went wild, TV Asahi reports.

by Brian Dentry

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