Latest Events in Ibaraki Prefecture(September Updated)

This year's three main themes are "The breathtaking speed of approximately 20,000 fireworks per hour," "Japan's most comfortable roadside viewing environment," and "A competition among Ibaraki Prefecture's top fireworks artists." The total number of fireworks will reach 20,000, plus 20 shaku-dama (a unit of length, approximately 1.5 meters). In addition to last year's total of 20,000 fireworks, 20 extra shaku-dama will be added to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chikusai City. As a special event for Chikusai City's 20th anniversary, 20 shaku-dama fireworks will also be launched simultaneously, along with a "Musical Starlight" performance featuring a live performance of Reizan Taiko, a traditional art form from Date City, Fukushima Prefecture. Enjoy the thrilling fireworks extravaganza accompanied by music.

This traditional summer event is held at Nakaminato Fishing Port in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture. This popular local event is celebrating its 37th anniversary this year. The fireworks display, directed by renowned pyrotechnician Yoichi Nomura, promises a spectacular and beautiful spectacle. Approximately 800 fireworks will illuminate the sea and sky over Nakaminato Fishing Port over 60 minutes, creating an immersive experience.

The Tsuchiura National Fireworks Festival is a representative fireworks festival of Ibaraki Prefecture. It is considered one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals, along with the Omagari Fireworks Festival (Akita) and the Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Festival (Niigata). While most fireworks festivals are held in summer, the Tsuchiura National Fireworks Festival is held annually in autumn. Prior to the 88th edition (2019), it was held on the first Saturday of October each year, but since the 89th edition (2020), it has been held on the first Saturday of November each year. The festival typically attracts 750,000 spectators annually, with approximately 20,000 fireworks launched, including both competition and recreational fireworks. The competition is divided into the "Starry Sky" category, the "Ten-Ball" category, and the "Creative Fireworks" category. Fireworks performers compete against each other, with the best performers receiving awards such as the Prime Minister's Award and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award.

The Kasama Chrysanthemum Festival, established in 1908, is one of Japan's longest-running festivals. Approximately 10,000 chrysanthemums in various forms—such as upright, cascading, multi-petaled balls, and bonsai—are displayed throughout the festival grounds, starting at the main venue at Kasama Inari Shrine. A blend of white, pink, and other colors fills the space.

The Furukawa Yokanbu Festival is held on November 7-8 at Furukawa Public Park in Furukawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the three major autumn festivals in Furukawa and admission is free. The festival promotes Furukawa's industries and regional charm, stimulates the local economy, and fosters intergenerational exchanges through stage performances, numerous food stalls, and amusement facilities.

The Masakado Festival, which began in April 1972 to commemorate the establishment of the former Iwai City government, aims to recreate the heroic image of local hero Taira no Masakado in modern times. Held annually on the second Sunday of November, the festival has become a major autumn event in Bando City and is beloved by people both within and outside Bando. The festival begins with a prayer for victory at Takao Shrine. Accompanied by the Kanda Myojin Masakado taiko drum, one hundred samurai march through the cedar forest within the shrine grounds to the sound of the drums. A local junior high school student archery demonstration is held at the departure ceremony. During the samurai procession, a group of adorable children and young swordsmen leads the procession through the Heavenly Walk area, including armored warriors and elegant princesses, culminating in music from the Kanda Forest (a prefectural-designated intangible folk cultural property). As the festival drew to a close, the Kanda Doji floats competed on the main stage, joined by the Iwai Masakado taiko drums and the Kanda Myojin Masakado taiko drums, bringing the festival to a climax.