"Fukuchiyama HANABI 2026," a summer highlight for Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, took place on the evening of August 11, 2026, along the banks of the Yura River. This year marked the event's relaunch with Fukuchiyama City serving as a co-organizer for the first time in 13 years—ever since a stall explosion accident occurred in 2013. Approximately 6,000 fireworks—the same number as before the accident—bloomed like giant flowers across the night sky.
The launch began at 8:00 p.m. Spectators were captivated by the 45-minute aerial show, which featured spectacular displays such as "traversing fireworks" spanning over 300 meters and impressive large-caliber shells (*shakudama*) unfolding one after another in the sky.
Three precious lives were lost in the earlier accident. On the morning of August 11, the event's executive committee held a memorial service at a monument near the site, and the entire audience observed a moment of silence before the fireworks began.
The fireworks festival had resumed two years ago through an executive committee established by the Fukuchiyama Tourism Association and local shopping districts, with operations led by young business owners. While Fukuchiyama City had previously limited its involvement to providing official backing, it stepped up to co-organize the event this year; officials determined that deeper involvement in safety measures was necessary as the scale of the festival returned to pre-accident levels.
