Latest Events in Ehime Prefecture(July Updated)

The city of Niihama in Ehime Prefecture hosts one of the largest fireworks displays in Shikoku. About 8,000 fireworks light up the night sky over the industrial city of Niihama, attracting many visitors from surrounding towns and outside the prefecture. The fireworks display is unprecedented, with a starry sky as the main feature. Since the fireworks display is held on the riverbed, you can watch the impressive fireworks up close and hear the real sound of the fireworks. In addition, at the commemorative fireworks display hosted by the private sector, blessings for marriages, birthdays, school enrollment, housewarming, support, confessions, etc. are read out on site.

The Uwajima Ushioni Festival is a traditional summer event in Uwajima City, held concurrently with the Warei Grand Festival at Warei Shrine since 1967, and has been running for over half a century. Held annually from July 22nd to 24th, the festival opens with a spectacular fireworks display over the sea. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the festival in 2026, a special fireworks display will be held to express gratitude. The fireworks, launched over the small bay of Uwajima, echo among the surrounding mountains, creating a breathtaking visual feast. Visitors can also watch the fireworks from paid seating areas. On July 23rd (Thursday), a "Bullfighting Match - Warei Grand Festival Venue" will be held, followed by the energetic "Gaia on the Road" dance performance. The Ushioni Parade on July 24th (Friday) is also not to be missed.

The fireworks display of the Iyoiro Matsuri summer festival is held on the last Saturday and Sunday of July in Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture. The stands are located near the launch site, and two breakwaters are used during the launches. Beautiful large fireworks illuminate the approximately 350-meter-long venue. A highlight is the "Giant Golden Willow Star Cannon," which makes full use of the expansive space facing the sea. Also not to be missed is the "Sea Fireworks," approximately 120 meters in diameter.

This is one of the largest fireworks displays in Ehime Prefecture, held in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. The theme for 2026 is "Let's Get Excited!". The performance is divided into four parts, with music and dazzling fireworks creating a spectacular display. The opening section features starburst fireworks, including 8-inch fireworks, launched in rhythm with the music. The pier and barges serve as launch points, presenting a dynamic and varied fireworks display. The grand finale is a spectacular underwater fireworks display and a super-large starburst fireworks show. For a full hour, 10,000 fireworks will bloom brilliantly over Mitsu Pier, illuminating the night sky.

This fireworks display is held at Kawaya Port in Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture. It originated from the fireworks set off during the "Wais Festival" and was held in the early days of Ehime Prefecture. About 3,000 fireworks are launched from Kawaya Port into the night sky of Flint Beach, lighting up the summer night sky.

This fireworks display originated from the long-running Benten-sama and Sumiyoshi-sama fairs, and has been called the "Osu River Fireworks Festival" since 1948 (Showa 23). As the event is held in a basin surrounded by mountains, it is characterized by the fact that the roar of fireworks can be felt with the body, and about 3,000 fireworks are launched, the largest in Ehime Prefecture.

This fireworks display marked the grand closing of Onmaku, an annual summer community-participatory festival held in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. Approximately 10,000 fireworks illuminated the night sky, primarily concentrated near Imabari Port. "Onmaku" means "to give it your all" or "to enjoy yourself to the fullest" in the Imabari dialect, and true to its name, it was a vibrant and joyous event. The fireworks display, perfectly integrated with the music, was a striking contrast against the coastal nightscape. Street food stalls and vendors further enhanced the festive atmosphere. The fireworks display began around 8 PM and lasted about an hour, featuring synchronized "musical fireworks," large aerial shells, starburst fireworks, and a grand finale.

What does that title signify— Is it "Substitute" or "The Chosen One"? The answer remains unclear. Yet, in this long-run tour starting in Japan, I can distinctly feel something different from before—an unwavering presence that belongs to ayu.