Tomorrow, August 3rd, marks the spectacular evening of the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, beginning at 7:30 PM. I have the pleasure of accompanying some international guests to the riverside to enjoy this luminous spectacle. I warmly invite everyone to join us and ensure not to miss this breathtaking display.
The art of fireworks, interestingly, was first invented in Japan. It dates back to the Edo period—a time when air conditioning was nonexistent. On hot summer nights, people dressed in airy yukatas and used fans to create a breeze, finding mental respite in the coolness that this brought.
The Edo era was known for its isolationist policies, resulting in 250 years of peace without wars. Contrary to popular belief that Japan was a male-dominated society, the Edo period was quite the opposite; it was a time when women held significant strength. Typically, women detested war, and during this period, when men were less preoccupied with battles, women’s influence was notably strong within households.
For instance, a divorce was as simple as a woman placing a “mikudarihan” (three-and-a-half-line letter) on the table: stating merely, “I am, from you, parting.” Such a letter would leave the husband profoundly shocked.
Additionally, the average number of children per family during the Edo period was about two to three, in contrast to the war-ridden Sengoku period, where families typically had up to seven children. The fewer number of children during the Edo era represented an ideal balance for women, avoiding the extremes of having too many or too few responsibilities.
Moreover, the women’s preference for beauty is evident from the elaborate kimonos and designs that emerged during the Edo period. The initiation of fireworks during this time was also driven by women’s admiration for the stunning vistas they painted in the night sky—making the tradition of fireworks essentially a celebration of women’s cultural influence.
As recent summers have become particularly hot, making it challenging to concentrate on work, the fireworks night offers a delightful escape. Forget the stresses of daily life for a moment and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Japan’s Edo period. Please join us to experience this traditional spectacle and enjoy a night filled with history, beauty, and communal joy. 