FAQ

Fireworks/Fireworks Display/Fireworks Photography
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Kiminari Onozato provides the answers to the questions.
The questions are grouped into three sections according to topics.

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Fireworks generally @: Are fireworks globe-shaped? If we watch them from any direction, would they look circular?
How much are fireworks per shell in Japan?
How high does a shell go? How large is a blooming?
Why do the colors of stars change halfway?
Can you tell me the names of the various shells?
What sorts of shells are there in Japan?
Are there fireworks displays in other seasons than summer in Japan?
Can you recommend any books or videos related to Japanese fireworks?
Fireworks Display generally: When and where can I see fireworks displays in Japan?
Why do people shout "Tamaya, Kagiya! when fireworks are launched?
Can you recommend the best viewing spot at a fireworks display?
Can you recommend some of the best fireworks displays in Japan?
What should we bring to a fireworks displayH
What precautions should we take when we bring our children?
Are most fireworks shows basically the same?
Can we call for our own show? How can we have fireworks launched at events, school festivals, stage shows or weddings?
Fireworks Photography generally@: I want to take a fireworks in photograph, but I seem difficult.
Is it necessary to use a "SPECIAL camera"?
How many seconds should the shutter be opened? Where should I set the F-stop?
What kind of lens should I use?
Which kind of films should I use?
Gee! All fireworks are out of the frame every time.
Overexposure!!
What are the tricks to taking better work?

Any other questions are cordially invited.

Fireworks generallyQ&A about Fireworks themselves

Are fireworks globe-shaped? If we watch them from any direction, would they look circular?

You were in doubt about it for a long time weren't you? Round shell burst in glove shape. This is the basic principle of Japanese fireworks=HANABI. Please make no mistake on this point. Some may think "Fireworks look circular and flat like a plate." Yes, there are two dimensional shapes in some kinds of "KATAMONO " shells. But usual round type "Warimono" shell burst in the shape of a globe.
Please see "Skill" and "Shape" in "All about Japanese Fireworks" for further particulars.

How much are fireworks per shell in Japan?

There are all sorts of prices of fireworks according to size. A round shell with a diameter of 15 centimeters is about 8000`10000 Yen. 30 centimeters is about 40000`50000Yen. (Not counting any lifting attachment or accessories). Prices change according to the maker. This is a unit price for shells only. No launching or transport cost.
Well, How do you feel about this price? Expensive or not? For myself, if you consider that fireworks are for a big audience, its not expensive. Sure, I'm not a sponsor, so I cannot really say.
In the case of Starmines, they are not sold individually but only in sets, eg.50units.

How high does a shell go ?
How large is the blooming?

Please see "SIZE" (in All about Japanese Fireworks)
The fireworks called "Shakudama"(twelve inches round Warimono shell) rises up to 300 meters high, bursts in a globe shape 300 meters across.

What gives color to fireworks? Why do the colors of stars in change halfway in the air?

Please see "COLOR"(in All about Japanese Fireworks) Changing colors of stars is an original feature of Japanese fireworks art. Read the "COLOR" section to find out the secrets of making the color change. When I say "star", it does not mean stars that twinkle in the sky. Each petal or trace of a bursting shell is called a "star". For understanding these technical terms of fireworks, "Mini Dictionary/glossary about Japanese Fireworks" may be useful for you.

Can you tell me the names of the various shells?
What sort of shells are there in Japan?

Please see"Visual Catalogue". "Visual Catalogue" page has many GIF photos. Due to the heaviness of the contents, please allow some time for the photos to come on display. In this Catalogue of photographs, you can see the forms and the names of various types of fireworks that are launched in Japan today. Hope you could find the one you are looking for. Yes, we have some types that we rarely see catalogued here.

Are there Fireworks displays other than summer in Japan?

Fireworks and fireworks display are regarded as summer issues. In Japan, itÕs easy to imagine summer with fireworks. For myself, it's hard to think of a summer without fireworks. Nevertheless, I am quite sure that most Japanese people would agree with me to say that fireworks are not only for summer. Yes, fireworks are launched throughout the year somewhere in Japan. Fireworks can be launched at any place, in any season, or at any festival. We dedicate fireworks to a god of a shrine. Most popular are for"Attractions of Theme Parks".No matter which season, fireworks will surely liven up any event. Please see"Winter fireworks display" for more examples.

Are there any books or videos related to fireworks in Japan?

Please see "KowledgeE Media about FWKS" in "All about Japanese Fireworks". It is also linked from "Dictionary". I introduced some books, photo books, videos, CD-ROM, simulation game soft wares that now are available. Literatures that refer to fireworks are difficult to find even in libraries and most good books are out of print.

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