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The grand organiser's display at the Omagari All-Japan National Fireworks Competition, red stars filling the sky from the riverbank upward

Omagari Fireworks – National Fireworks Competition全国花火競技大会「大曲の花火」

Prefecture
Akita · Daisen, Akita
Season
SUMMER
Type
Fireworks
Typical period
The last Saturday of August
2026 Event status
Period ended

01

IntroductionIntroduction

A fireworks competition dating from 1910 in which pyrotechnicians from across Japan compete. It features a daytime fireworks category as well as night fireworks, and the top award is the Prime Minister's Prize.

Colored smoke by day, light by night: a major stage where pyrotechnicians from all over Japan put a year's craft on the line.

02

HistoryHistory

It began in 1910 (Meiji 43) as the 'Ōu Six Prefectures Fireworks Fair', held as an entertainment attached to the Suwa Shrine festival. The awarding of the Prime Minister's Prize began in 2000. The 2026 competition was the 98th.

Source: 「大曲の花火」実行委員会(external site, opens in a new tab)

03

CultureCultural background

'Omagari no Hanabi' comprises three seasonal events: the summer National Fireworks Competition plus spring and autumn 'chapters'. Daytime fireworks, which impress through the color and changing shapes of smoke rather than light, are said to require delicate and advanced technique.

Source: 「大曲の花火」実行委員会(external site, opens in a new tab) / 「大曲の花火」実行委員会(external site, opens in a new tab)

A perfectly round triple-core chrysanthemum shell opening against a pure black sky
Photo: VRDS / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

04

Rites & HighlightsMain rites & highlights

  1. 01

    Daytime fireworks category

    Daytime fireworks that impress with the color and changing forms of smoke instead of light, requiring delicate and advanced technique.

  2. 02

    Night fireworks category

    Competed in '10-go cored warimono shells', '10-go free-style shells' and 'creative fireworks'.

  3. 03

    Prime Minister's Prize

    Described as the highest honor in Japan's fireworks world; awarded since 2000.

05

PeopleThe people

Pyrotechnic companies from across Japan enter works and compete; 28 companies competed in 2026.

06

ScheduleSchedule

Typical period

The last Saturday of August

Source: 「大曲の花火」実行委員会(external site, opens in a new tab)

2026EVENT STATUS

Figures

Figures refer to the stated year and are cited.

07

LocationLocation

Venue
Omagari Fireworks Park, Omono River riverside, Omagari, Daisen
Shrine / Host
Omagari Chamber of Commerce and Industry / Daisen City
Region
Tohoku · Akita · Daisen, Akita

08

GalleryGallery

  • Photo: KANSEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Photo: VRDS / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Photo: KANSEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Photo: 掬茶 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

09

VideosVideos

  • Akita Asahi Broadcasting (AAB) news report on the Omagari Fireworks, aired August 31, 2026.Source: YouTube · AAB秋田朝日放送 (Broadcaster (official)) · Watch on YouTube

We only include videos confirmed on each organisation's official site or channel, and whose embedding YouTube permits. Playback uses YouTube's official player; copyright remains with the rights holders. The YouTube player does not load until you press play.

10

How to VisitHow to visit

In 2026, daytime fireworks ran 17:10–18:00 and night fireworks 19:00–21:30 (gates opened 15:00). If postponed due to severe weather, the organizer decides the new date after checking the venue's condition.

Traffic controls, seating and fees change every year. Always check the official website for the latest information.

Official website — omagari-hanabi.com(external site, opens in a new tab)

12 — Related festivals

13

SourcesSources & references

  1. 1.大曲の花火について(external site, opens in a new tab)「大曲の花火」実行委員会 · Accessed 2026-09-26
  2. 2.開催概要|全国花火競技大会「大曲の花火」(external site, opens in a new tab)「大曲の花火」実行委員会 · Accessed 2026-09-26
  3. 3.大曲の花火 公式サイト(external site, opens in a new tab)「大曲の花火」実行委員会 · Accessed 2026-09-26

14

Image CreditsImage credits