The first Sumida River Fireworks Display dates back to 1733 during the Edo period.

Ever since then, we have had fireworks displays to drive away epidemics every summer.

In 2020, a number of fireworks as well as summer events were cancelled due to the pandemic.

Fireworks lie at the heart of summer in Japan so we cannot think of a summer without them.

BUT....simultaneous fireworks shows to launch across Japan and one on the Edogawa river were planned in secret.

The event was scheduled to take place in July and August with the timing and locations were not revealed to prevent large crowds from gathering.

Eventually, 64 fireworks displays in 28 prefectures on August 22nd, 23rd and one in Edogawa ward on 24th were held to encourage people in this time of difficulty.

Each fireworks display only lasted for 10 minutes ( usually for one hour ) but they cheered up those who are exhausted by the pandemic.