Fireworks will be launched at “Shio Ashiya Beach” in the Minami Ashiyahama area for about 10 minutes starting around 5:46 p.m. on Friday, January 17.
Screenshot from the official website of the NPO Ashiya Citizens’ Festival Council
The fireworks are part of a 30th memorial project for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and are being held as an opportunity to reflect once again on the experiences and lessons of the disaster in this milestone year.
Unlike the Summer Carnival, there will be no events, food stalls, or viewing area at the venue. The organizers hope the fireworks will serve as a light for people to reflect on the earthquake from wherever they are.
“Shio Ashiya Beach,” where the fireworks will be launched, will be closed from 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16 to 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 18, including the launch time, and entry will not be permitted. (The north/east-side paths by the Shio Ashiya Beach floodgate will remain open as usual.)
Please note that you will not be able to watch the fireworks from the beach! (And of course, there won’t be music or BGM like at the Summer Carnival.)
The time may also be changed or the fireworks may be canceled depending on the weather that day.
These fireworks are different from the usual Summer Carnival display, and are meant as a memorial tribute. Why not take a moment while watching them to think or talk about the earthquake and disaster preparedness?
