Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition

About the festival

Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition is held every November in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture, and is regarded as one of Japan's three most prestigious fireworks competitions. Pyrotechnicians from across the country submit work to be judged, making it a showcase of technical skill rather than simply a large display.

The 2026 edition marks the competition's 100th anniversary, with an especially large programme planned to mark the occasion. Fireworks are launched from the banks of the Sakura River, with categories judging different types of shells and creative designs submitted by competing fireworks companies.

Because the competition draws fireworks enthusiasts from across Japan for its milestone anniversary, arriving early and checking transport arrangements in advance is worth doing, as the areas around the launch site can become very busy.

The 2026 festival is scheduled for 7 November.