The fireworks powder used sulfur mined from the volcano. In the Edo period, the production of gunpowder was banned, and the technology was handed over only in areas related to the Tokugawa shogunate government. So, owning a volcanic area was of strategic importance.
Do you remember studying the flame reaction of metals in a junior high school science experiment? The gorgeous color of fireworks is achieved by mixing a powder with a metal. It comes from a metal that emits a single wavelength when an electron excited by explosive energy returns to its original state, producing a pure color.
The origin of fireworks is wolf smoke. Fireworks are now enjoyed at night, but at the Ohmagari Fireworks Festival, you can also enjoy the daytime fireworks, that is, the colors and shapes of wolf smoke.
The Ohmagari Fireworks Festival was not just an event to enjoy fireworks, it was an examination committee that competed for the skills of fireworks masters. The examiners were introduced on the public broadcast, but I didn’t know if it was work or play because they could see fireworks in the special seat.
The competition consists of three parts: a 30cm size concentric style fireworks ball, a freestyle of the same size, and creative fireworks that match the music. A community FM station ‘HANABI’ was broadcasting the progress, but when listening to it on Internet radio via smartphone, there was too much time difference and it was difficult to listen to. It will be also useful in the event of a disaster, so let’s buy one FM radio and bring it with you.
Late check-in at Mizusawa Hot Spring
I parked a car near Tazawako station to avoid strong congestion around Ohmagari, where I might have not gone out even from the parking space at Ohmagari until next morning! (It’s true). A local line was used between Ohmagari and Tazawako. For the countryside, it was a crowded train like Tokyo.
<Caution !>
Many people come to see fireworks on a day trip by bullet tour from remote areas such as Tokyo and Sendai. After the fireworks, it is possible to leave the venue in the early morning and it seems that the arrival will be around noon.
The Ohmagari Fireworks Festival is held every four seasons, but the summer 2020 has been canceled due to the covid-19.