The design entries we received from the persons with disabilities who participated in the fireworks design workshop were subjected to a screening process. Six winning entries were selected as designs for actual fireworks.
1. Urara Ichijo“Leaves dancing in the sky”
Artist’s concept
The gingko is the official tree of Tokyo, so my idea was to make it look like lots of gingko leaves were scattered across the sky. During the season when the Olympic games will be held, the gingko trees will be filling the night sky with their beautiful greenery.
Workshop experience
I was grateful to have been able to participate in a workshop by famous Japanese pyrotechnicians. It was fun to see them look at the participants' designs, give suggestions on how to use different types of fireworks, and help us refine our works. I'm really looking forward to seeing how my designs turn out in the hands of a master.
- Launch site：
- Setagaya City
- Fireworks production：
- Beniya Aoki Co., Ltd
- Supervision of fireworks design：
- Marutamaya Co.
- Fireworks launch：
- Marutamaya Co.
2. Red Rose Clarisse: “Lupin bouquet”
Artist’s concept
What kind of bouquet would Lupin give to someone? It might be an illusionary bouquet with lots of flowers wrapped up together and tied with a ribbon in the sky. That’s right! It would be like a bouquet of fireworks.
Workshop experience
Participating in the workshop reminded me of how much fun it is to give shape to my ideas and present them to others. Having the ideas in my head translated into real fireworks makes me so happy—it’s like a dream come true.
- Launch site：
- Setagaya City
- Fireworks production：
- Komatsu Fireworks Co., Ltd
- Supervision of fireworks design：
- Marutamaya Co.
- Fireworks launch：
- Marutamaya Co.
3. Naomi Tamura: Pine, Bamboo, and Plum
Artist’s concept
These days, many people outside of Japan have come to think of our traditional wabi-sabi aesthetic as something “cool”. The pine, bamboo and plum often used in bonsai gardening or Noh theater are hallmarks of Japanese culture, so I wanted the fireworks to be inspired by those designs.
Workshop experience
I’ve loved fireworks displays ever since I was a child, and the time I got to spend designing them brought me joy as well. We also got to hear famous pyrotechnicians share their expertise during the workshop, making it an even more valuable experience. I’ll treasure it always.
- Launch site：
- Setagaya City
- Fireworks production：
- Beniya Aoki Co., Ltd
- Supervision of fireworks design：
- Marutamaya Co.
- Fireworks launch：
- Marutamaya Co.
4. H.T“Crystals”
Artist’s concept
Leatherleafs are a beautiful fern that adds greenery to bouquets and other arrangements. I thought that if those ferns could sparkle in the night sky in a crystal pattern, it might lend a touch of coolness to the sweltering Tokyo summer.
Workshop experience
It was fun spending time thinking about the kind of fireworks I’d like to see.
- Launch site：
- Kawasaki City
- Fireworks production：
- Komatsu Fireworks Co., Ltd
- Supervision of fireworks design：
- Marutamaya Ogatsu Fireworks Co., Ltd.
- Fireworks launch：
- Marutamaya Ogatsu Fireworks Co., Ltd.
5. Yoshio Morita: “Celebration flowers”
Artist’s concept
Myrtle plants bloom with beautiful white flowers that look a bit like plum blossoms. In Japan, they’re also known as iwai-no-ki, or “celebration bushes”. I wanted to communicate a celebratory mood and feelings of warm hospitality towards the overseas visitors who will travel great distances to come to Japan.
Workshop experience
Just hearing from the experts working on the front lines of the industry was such a priceless experience! Although we work in different media, everything they said inspired me to approach my flowers in the same way. All the sessions were wonderful. And I’m so happy that they’re going to launch a firework that I designed—it’s like a dream come true.
- Launch site：
- Kawasaki City
- Fireworks production：
- Komatsu Fireworks Co., Ltd
- Supervision of fireworks design：
- Marutamaya Co.
- Fireworks launch：
- Marutamaya Ogatsu Fireworks Co., Ltd.
6.Sayaka Imai: “Flower wreath”
Artist’s concept
Wreaths can be a symbol for eternity. My idea was to create a firework inspired by a wreath of colorful flowers, to symbolize our everlasting connections to the people who are important to us—our feelings of undying love and eternal friendship.
Workshop experience
I’m typically not very good at speaking up in front of people, but I’m so glad that I mustered up the courage to challenge myself and go for it. Now I get to see my design take shape. This kind of opportunity doesn’t come around often, so I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to have had this precious experience. It’s really driven home the lesson that you never know unless you try.
- Launch site：
- Kawasaki City
- Fireworks production：
- Komatsu Fireworks Co., Ltd
- Supervision of fireworks design：
- Marutamaya Co.
- Fireworks launch：
- Marutamaya Ogatsu Fireworks Co., Ltd.
