Curtural Tips - Senko-hanabi (Japanese Sparklers)

"Summer is the season for fireworks. While it's great to attend fireworks displays, enjoying handheld fireworks in your garden or at a park is also a lot of fun. In Japan, handheld fireworks are easily available at toy stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

Among them, we especially recommend 'senko hanabi' (Japanese sparklers). Senko hanabi has a long history, believed to have originated in the late 17th century. These fireworks are about 25 cm long, contain less than 0.1 grams of gunpowder, and have an average burn time of about 30 seconds. During this time, they display four distinct phases.

First, when you light them, the fireball grows, resembling a flower bud just before it blooms. Next, strong sparks scatter, showcasing a brilliant peony-like burst of light. As the sparks intensify, they shoot out in all directions, much like pine needles. Finally, the sparks gradually weaken, and one by one, they fall like the petals of a chrysanthemum flower. This changing sequence is often compared to the journey of life.

When enjoying fireworks, please remember to take precautions, such as keeping a bucket of water nearby, to ensure safety around the flames."