Yatsushiro National Fireworks Competition Festival

Held in Yatsushiro City, located in the southern central part of Kumamoto Prefecture, this prestigious event is one of only three national fireworks competitions in Japan—and the only one held in western Japan. Alongside Akita’s famous “Omagari Fireworks” and the Tsuchiura competition in Ibaraki, Yatsushiro’s event is a must-see, representing the pinnacle of pyrotechnics in the west of the country and throughout Kyushu.

The fireworks show brings a jaw-dropping launch of 14,000 fireworks in total against the backdrop of Kuma River at Shin-Hagiwara Bridge riverside park. The sky hums with the bright bursts of different displays from top-tier pyrotechnicians, creating a breathtaking autumn night in Yatsushiro.

The competition is divided into three main categories: the 5-shaku-dama (medium-sized shells), 10-shaku-dama (large shells), and the starmine category (a rapid-fire, artistic fireworks display). Around 30 of Japan’s finest fireworks masters—from Akita in the north to Kagoshima in the south—compete under the same rules, using standardized shells to showcase their skills.
In addition to the competition rounds, music-synchronized fireworks add a dynamic and entertaining element to the show, offering a diverse viewing experience.

The 2025 event marks the 38th edition and will be held in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Yatsushiro City’s reformation as a new municipality. A special opening starmine display is planned to commemorate the occasion in grand style.