Bringing the Legacy of Nagaoka Fireworks to the Next Generation with the 'Hanaiku Journey' Project

'Hanaiku Journey' Project: Connecting Nagaoka Fireworks to Future Generations

In a significant initiative, HIS (H.I.S. Co., Ltd.) based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has launched the 'Hanaiku Journey' project in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. The project seeks to pass down the rich history of the Nagaoka Fireworks and the values of 'remembrance, recovery, and peace' to the younger generations.

Known as one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals, the origins of the 'Nagaoka Festival Fireworks' date back to the Nagaoka air raid in August 1945, which resulted in the loss of many lives. Initially established as a ceremony to honor those who died and to wish for the city's recovery, the festival has evolved into a celebration of peace. As we mark 80 years since the end of the war, the number of war survivors is dwindling, making it crucial to convey the essential message behind this spectacle—not just fireworks as entertainment but as a heartfelt prayer for peace.

Recognizing this urgency, HIS has developed a project that transforms children from mere spectators of fireworks into 'storytellers' who can articulate the reasons behind the celebrations—a poignant aim that could instill a lifelong commitment to peace.

Main Initiatives of the 'Hanaiku Journey' Project

1. Creation of a Special Website: 'Connecting the Sky, 1945-2026'
To widely share the project's goals and historical context, a dedicated website will be set up. This platform serves as a space for young individuals to reflect on the significance of peace. Furthermore, documentaries will be created each year to capture the project's journey, ensuring that the prayers inherent in the Nagaoka Fireworks are consistently communicated to the public.
Visit the special site here.

2. High School Exclusive Bus Tour 'Hanaiku Journey'
Aimed at sensitive and impressionable high school students, this unique experience will dive deeper into the Nagaoka Fireworks.
- In-depth Learning and Dialogue: Participants will visit the Nagaoka War Damage Museum and engage in discussions with survivors and fireworks artisans. This interaction will reveal the 'real reason' behind why fireworks are launched, creating a profound learning experience.
- Expressing Sensibilities: After enjoying the fireworks, students will engage in sessions where they articulate their feelings and share insights with peers, fostering a dialogue about peace for the future.
- Completion Certification: Students who complete the 'Hanaiku Journey' will receive a 'Completion Certificate' from the Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation, strengthening their connection to the concept of peace as a personal responsibility.

Overview of the 'Hanaiku Journey' Bus Tour

- Departure and Arrival Location: Shinjuku
- Travel Dates: August 2 (Sunday) and August 3 (Monday), 2026
- Price: 59,900 JPY per person (tax included)
- Minimum Participants: 10 individuals
- Eligibility: High school students only

Learn more about the tour here.
Note: If the fireworks festival is canceled by the day before the event, the tour will not operate. This initiative is part of a new category of domestic travel offered by HIS called 'Energizing Journey' which provides unique experiences one cannot find anywhere else.
Explore more on the special category.

Through the 'Hanaiku Journey' project, HIS not only seeks to create lasting memories but also aims to ensure that the spirit of peace and remembrance continues to thrive in the hearts of future generations.