Mother Nature has spoiled Japan with beautiful seasons, made better still by colourful festivals around the year. Watching fireworks spark at the night sky has always been one of my favourites festive moments. Good thing there’s a whole string of fireworks festivals devoted to them, with big and small events on offer in the city over the summer! The celebrations sprung up during the Edo period 400 years ago, when the colourful explosions were said to drive away diseases and bad spirits. As the years passed by, fireworks have gradually become an iconic highlight; no Japanese summer is complete without them.

It’s gorgeous on the ground, too. The main event of the season, the Katsushika Fireworks Festival, was packed with Japanese dressed in traditional yukatas. I didn’t realize the difference between a yukata and kimono in the first place, but in fact a yukata (minus the collar) is the costume for summer and casual occasions, most often found in ceremonies and firework festivals. Meanwhile a kimono paired with collars and socks is donned for more formal occasions.

And yes, all you hangry peeps, food features heavily here too. Traditional snacks and drinks have always been essential companions to firework-watching, as people wait patiently for the night to sparkle. “Sugoi!”, the crowd hollered when the fireworks finally crackled in the air. For a moment I was surprised at all these “wows” — why would you be so extra about a show that happens every year? Seconds later I realised I was cheerfully yelling up a storm too. I guess fascination is contagious, in the best way possible.