The spectacular Nagaoka Fireworks Festival to be broadcast live in cinemas across Japan
Fireworks are an essential Japanese summer tradition, with pyrotechnic festivals held across the country from July to September. Among them, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in Niigata prefecture is considered one of Japan's top three. It's renowned not only for launching some of the largest shells and fireworks, but also for its grand finale, which spans an impressive two kilometres along the riverbank, making it one of the widest fireworks displays in the world.
Now held annually on August 2 and 3, this roughly two-hour-long spectacle was first launched in 1946 to commemorate the lives lost in the World War II air raids the previous year.
The festival's signature five-minute-long Reconstruction Phoenix Fireworks, synchronised with Ayaka Hirahara's song 'Jupiter', were introduced in 2005 and have since become an annual highlight. Serving as the emotional centrepiece of the event, the segment was created as a symbol of recovery for the Chuetsu area following the devastating 2004 Niigata Earthquake.
Nagaoka is an immensely meaningful and symbolic fireworks display, and this year more so than ever – 2025 marks both the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 20th anniversary of the Reconstruction Phoenix Fireworks. With this in mind, the festival is expected to draw particularly large crowds.
Attending in person requires careful planning. While there are both paid and free seating areas, the free spots are often claimed very early. So, to allow more people to experience and share in the significance of the event, the organisers are also hosting a live broadcast in cinemas across Japan.
In Tokyo, you can catch the live screening of the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival at Shinjuku Piccadilly, Aeon Cinema Itabashi, Aeon Cinema Tama Center, Aeon Cinema Musashi Murayama and Aeon Cinema Hinode. In Osaka, Movix Sakai and Aeon Cinema Shijonawate will be participating in the event.
Tickets are priced at ¥3,000 for general admission and ¥1,500 for high school students and younger children. The pre-reservation lottery is ongoing until July 21, with general sales commencing later from July 26 to July 31 – all online via Ticket Pia. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the respective cinemas starting August 2.
Tokyo ranked among the most affordable holiday destinations of 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
an hour ago
- Time Out
Mix, mingle, and make music at Blind Tiger
Time Out Hong Kong in partnership with W Macau - Studio CitySunday 15 June 2025 Head to W Macau – Studio City's top floor to find Blind Tiger, a sleek bar with an apothecary-inspired counter and large floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a killer view of the city's skyline. Here, customers can experience unique creations inspired by regional destinations and exotic flavours from the bar's Destination Alpha cocktail series. Sip on the Japanese-inspired 36°67'N 139°80'E made with umami-flavoured spirits and sushi ginger, or opt for 22°38'N 120°17'E to enjoy Taiwanese ingredients like green bean cake-infused spirits and bi luo chun tea extract. Alternatively, Blind Tiger also offers a curated selection of aged-barrel spirits, house-infused beverages, premium dark spirits, and rare whiskies from Japanese and Scottish distilleries. For those looking to unwind after a long day, this destination bar's happy hour deal is sure to please. Customers can drop by from 6pm to 9pm daily to delight in free-flow beverages while watching the stunning sunset. In addition to delectable snacks and cocktails, Blind Tiger is home to the first W Sound Suite in Greater China. This state-of-the-art music studio is decked out with cutting-edge equipment like stereos, amplifiers, and turntables. Guests can compose and remix tunes, record podcasts, and enjoy music – all while unwinding with drinks in their hands.
Time Out
2 hours ago
- Time Out
The best 1-for-1 weekday deals to dine and unwind at Paragon
Where to have your mains H&C Café The first thing you'll notice about H&C Café is its Instagrammable vibes, with warm wood tones and plush seats. But your eyes aren't the only ones feasting here. This stylish eatery is also known for its spicy, Eastern takes on Western classics like its signature H&C dan dan pasta ($26) and spicy cumin beef tacos with scrambled eggs ($26.90). 1-for-1 deal: Only applicable for selected pasta dishes, including the hot sauce prawn pasta ($27.50), hot sauce avocado pasta ($23.50), low-cal prawn capellini ($26.50), and low-cal avocado scallion capellini ($22.50). #03-09 Akashi Japanese Restaurant Classy yet approachable, Akashi is a go-to for fresh sushi, steaming miso and warm, attentive service – no wonder it's a celeb favourite. With over 100 dishes made from premium Japanese ingredients that are air-flown daily, this spot delivers on both quality and variety. 1-for-1 deal: Only applicable for selected maki, including ebi tempura pitan, ura maki, salad roll maki, soft shell crab maki, and ebi tempura maki. The complimentary maki will be of the same or lower value as the one you order. #B1-01/02 O'Coffee Club Indulgence A stalwart of the café scene, O'Coffee Club Indulgence has its roots deeply set in sourcing, brewing and serving gourmet coffee. But that doesn't mean you should skip its unique interpretation of Italian pasta and pizza. It spices things up with signatures such as the chilli crab pasta ($25.90) and the chicken and roasted mushroom pizza ($17.90) with jalapeño chilli peppers and a sunny side up egg in the middle – all perfect with your cup of Joe. 1-for-1 deal: Only applicable for selected pasta items, including mac and cheese ($16.90) and Italian meatball pasta ($17.90).
Time Out
4 hours ago
- Time Out
I went to the first ever Time Out Market in Asia Pacific – here's why you should too
I recently popped my Japanese cherry (blossom), spending a week in the Land of the Rising Sun – and I can confirm that what everyone says is, in fact, true. Japan is elite. Home to super-speedy bullet trains and ancient temples, cool streets dotted with vending machines, thrift stores, izakayas and life-altering 7-Elevens – as well as the kindest, most respectful people I've come across – Japan is not only beautiful and mind-blowing, it's safe, clean and, my favourite part: delicious. I was there to check out the brand-new Time Out Market Osaka – the first Time Out Market to open in Asia Pacific – which started welcoming locals and holiday-goers from March 21, 2025. It joins already established and beloved Markets across the globe, including Lisbon, New York, Barcelona and Cape Town. If you've never been to a Time Out Market, it's basically a massive food lover's paradise – a food and cultural hub that brings together the best of the city under one roof. Here's everything you need to know about Time Out Market Osaka – and why I reckon you need to add it to your hit list... What is Time Out Market Osaka? Time Out Market Osaka is a food haven featuring the best of Osaka under one roof. Think of it as the best food market you've ever been to, featuring dishes from first-class local chefs, the city's top restaurants, bars and cultural experiences, based on Time Out's editorial curation. There are 17 vendors to choose from, showcasing a variety of cuisines including Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and, of course, Japanese. And if you're craving a really good burger, you can get that here, too. Plus, there are two bars (hello, sake and cocktails) and three dessert stalls. Spanning more than 3,000 square metres and seating up to 800 guests, Time Out Market is huge. There aren't many venues in Osaka big enough to cater for large groups with no reservation, so it's perfect for team lunches, birthday dinners and lunch and dinner when you're on holidays with friends. View this post on Instagram A post shared by avriltreasure (@avriltreasure) Where is Time Out Market Osaka? Time Out Market Osaka is in the heart of Osaka, within the architecturally striking Grand Green Osaka South Building. It's a six-minute walk from Osaka Station, making it an easy, convenient and central destination to catch up with friends and family – or check it out solo (and eat as much as you can) like I did. Where to eat and drink at Time Out Market Osaka? I'm so glad you asked. As I mentioned, there are 17 food stalls to choose from, featuring cuisines from all around the world. Of course, you'll find excellent Japanese fare, spanning traditional must-try street food snacks like takoyaki (balls filled with octopus), and okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese-style cabbage pancake. And there's brilliant ramen – the one I ordered had an incredible frothy beef bone broth with soft and chewy noodles. But there are also banging tacos by chef Willy Monroy, who owns Milpa – the first and only Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant in Japan. You'll find handmade udon noodles and Korean hot pots, Napoli-style pizza with a Japanese twist, and a rocking Wagyu cheeseburger for when you're craving a taste of home. Feel like something sweet? My pick is the bowling-ball-sized shaved matcha ice, which had whimsy in spades. 'There's something for everyone' is a cliché, but it absolutely stands here. What are the opening hours of Time Out Market Osaka? Time Out Market Osaka is open seven days a week, from 11am through to 11pm, though last orders are taken at 10.30pm. Why should I visit Time Out Market Osaka? There are so many things I loved about Time Out Market Osaka. Walking in, I was truly blown away by how sleek and chic the space looked – with its warm lighting, natural wooden furniture and polished black splashback. So if you're after a cool hangout, this is it. I loved the communal tables and how it's great for big groups but also solo diners. And because all the food stalls have been curated by the Time Out team – AKA people who know what's up when it comes to food and drink – you can count on the dishes to deliver on quality and flavour. Osaka is an incredible food destination with so many top restaurants, and the Market brings the best of the city together under one roof. If you're after a taste of home, you'll find that here, too. Plus, there are DJs spinning tunes on the weekends with lots of fun things in the pipeline. Time Out Market is card-only and does not accept cash. And I think it goes without saying but I will anyway: come hungry. I hope you love it as much as I did – I have a feeling you will.
