Kurume and Shizuoka host major summer fireworks festivals

Kurume City in Japan will hold the 367th Chikugo River Fireworks Festival on August 5, 2026. The event, known locally as the Mizutenomi Hōnō Fireworks, plans to launch about 12,000 fireworks from two sites along the Chikugo River and offers six viewing areas across Kurume, Saga and Tosu. The festival will be streamed live on YouTube and organizers encourage attendees to use public transport, with temporary train services and shuttle buses provided.

Shizuoka City revived its Abe River Fireworks Festival on July 18, 2026, after a two‑year hiatus caused by heavy rain. Approximately 380,000 spectators gathered to watch around 15,000 fireworks, including a drone show featuring about 1,300 units that displayed music‑related graphics. Good weather allowed the full program to run, drawing families and tourists from surrounding prefectures.