Sapporo fireworks - Japan Nights Sights

A fireworks display co-sponsored by a local newspaper and a TV station was held on the banks of the Toyohira River, which runs through the center of Sapporo. About 4,000 fireworks were launched gradually during a 50-minute show. There were no paid spectator seats or strict rules for pedestrians, and many residents leisurely walked to the riverside and quietly looked up at the summer night sky. It reminded me of how, not so long ago, summer fireworks festivals in Japan used to be just the right size, laid-back, and uncrowded local events like this one.

札幌市の中心部を流れる豊平川の河川敷で、地元の新聞社とテレビ局が共催する花火大会が開かれた。約4000発の花火が、時間は50分にわたって、ゆっくりと打ち上げられた。有料観覧席の設置や厳しい規制などはなく、たくさんの市民がのんびりと歩いて川岸に集まり、静かに夏の夜を見上げた。少し前までは日本の夏の花火大会はどこも、このようなちょうど良いサイズの、のんびりとしたローカルイベントだったことを思い出した。