TOKYO - A photograph of fireworks soaring above the Edo River in Chiba’s Ichikawa City — forming what looked like a glowing Mount Fuji — was taken down from city hall just one day after being displayed, following a single citizen complaint.
The photo captured the fireworks from the Ichikawa Citizens Summer Fireworks Festival held in August 2025, which earned a Guinness World Record for being the “tallest mountain-shaped pyrotechnic display.” To commemorate the recognition, Ichikawa City had exhibited the photograph alongside the official Guinness certificate.
The image was taken by professional photographer Shun Shirai, who was commissioned by the city to photograph the event on a volunteer basis. However, the photo was removed only a day after its unveiling on August 8th.
“The exhibition started on the 8th, and by the 9th, the city received a complaint and decided to remove it,” Shirai explained. “As far as I know, there was only one complaint.”
According to the city, the complaint argued that displaying the photographer’s work in a public facility “could be seen as promoting a professional photographer’s business.” In response, the city replaced the image with one taken by a municipal employee.
Shirai, who had obtained prior approval for the display and ensured his name was listed for copyright protection, expressed disappointment: “From the standpoint of preventing forgery and respecting copyright, it was necessary to include my name. It’s unfortunate that the photo was removed over a single complaint.”
Residents interviewed on the street offered mixed feelings. “I didn’t think it was self-promotion at all,” one said. “But maybe the city had no choice if even one person complained.”
Ichikawa City has since announced plans to organize a public exhibition of commemorative photos — including Shirai’s — titled the “Guinness World Record Fireworks Exhibition,” featuring images taken by both citizens and professionals.
Source: FNN
