夜空を彩る大曲花火、「もののあわれ」で世界を魅了　　　　　　　　　　　　気ままなリライト９４

響屋大曲煙火、欧米に花火を輸出へ - 日本経済新聞

In Akita Prefecture, balancing the preservation of a time-honored firework crafting legacy with the economic well-being of its artisans has been a daunting challenge. The unexpected cancellations brought by the pandemic left numerous pre-crafted firework balls in limbo, underscoring the urgency for craftsmen to evolve and innovate. Hibikiya Omagari Fireworks, a respected firework artisan collective with a team of 22 in Akita, is weaving together the essence of longstanding traditions with the innovations of modern technology. They are extending their artisanal reach into broader commercial avenues, ensuring longevity for their revered craft. Venturing into the melding of the precision of mechanized production with the subtlety and nuance that only artisanal touch is able to impart, Hibikiya is blazing a trail into untouched landscapes.

Hailing from Daisen City, a hub of unparalleled firework artistry where the nation's most adept artisans bring their imaginative creations to the table every summer, Hibikiya Omagari Fireworks has embarked on a strategic business shift. Their goal is twofold: to captivate the broader market while also catering to aficionados who treasure meticulous craftsmanship. When small-sized, generic firework balls from China are much in demand all over the world due to their cost-effectiveness and scalability in production, Hibikiya is poised to challenge this trend. They've unveiled an automated system, a revolutionary move that not only optimizes the blending of gunpowder with color-infusing elements to make the firework pellets known as "stars", but also modernizes the age-old manual technique of embedding these stars and explosive charges into firework shells. Through this technological stride, Hibikiya is determined to fortify their pledge to quality and safety, enhancing their production capacity to present a formidable challenge to Chinese imports. This strategic move is a beacon of hope for domestic family-owned firework producers who are now focusing on crafting specialty fireworks while integrating smaller, generic firework balls from China into their business range.

Hibikiya also has made the most of international firework festivals and competitions as platforms to attract potential buyers or establish collaborations with global counterparts. By crafting the premium firework balls automation couldn’t replicate, Hibikiya has exhibited their artistry, demonstrating how Japanese exports excel in quality, artistic flair, and distinctiveness. Kentaro Saito, Hibikiya's President remarks, “The global community of firework enthusiasts is growing more appreciative of the unique essence of Japanese fireworks. Each burst of our creations is not just a visual feast but a story rooted in generations-old craftsmanship. The detailed patterns, rich colors, and mesmerizing effects bear witness to an artisans' relentless pursuit of pushing the envelope. Every firework shell, especially the larger ones, is infused with an artisan’s ambition to challenge limits and explore new possibilities. Such passion resonates deeply with audiences.”

Hibikiya has accelerated its preparations to export Japanese firework balls in response to growing demand from the US, Canada, and European countries. In July 2022, they secured the CE mark, a crucial certification for meeting safety and regulatory standards when selling fireworks within the European Economic Area (EEA). Additionally, Hibikiya is on the verge of acquiring an Ex Number from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), which will authorize them to sell firework balls to U.S. event companies. To enhance its logistical capabilities, Hibikiya has expanded its infrastructure by building a new gunpowder storehouse with a capacity for 35 tons of firework balls and a dedicated factory space that includes truck maintenance, packaging, and shipping areas.

The allure of Japanese fireworks has been captivating international event companies, distinctively setting them apart from displays seen elsewhere. At the heart of this fascination is Japan's steadfast commitment to craftsmanship. Here, firework making isn't merely a skill, it's a revered cultural heritage. Generations of craftsmen, steeped in this age-old practice, are lauded for their talent in painting fleeting yet unforgettable moments across the night canvas. This artistry is deepened by the philosophical idea of "mono no aware," which highlights the transient beauty of life. Such philosophy shines through in the fireworks, especially in the intricately designed spherical bursts called “warimono.” These meticulously handcrafted large-sized shells shimmer briefly but leave a lasting mark on spectators viewing from every perspective. Unlike Western pyrotechnics, which often focus on nonstop dazzle, Japanese fireworks embrace intentional pauses, offering viewers intervals for contemplation and expectation. This approach underscores not just the splendor of the overall display, but the inherent beauty of each single detonation. Within the brief seconds a firework takes to blaze, onlookers are moved by its deep resonance, making them ponder their own lives as transient yet splendid spectacles. And just as a craftsman put his heart and soul into a firework that bedazzles with luminous flares, every individual viewer is reminded to shine brightly, even if briefly, in their own life's narrative.