Welcome to Tsuchiura for the 77th Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition!
I would like to give my sincere welcome to all spectators here today.
In 1925(T.14) the deceased Reverend Mr. Baiho Akimoto, a Buddhism priest of the Jinryuji temple started the first competition using his own money in order to save the business people from the recession during that time and also for a memorial service for the Kasumigaura Naval Air Force members died in the war. After that the deceased Mr. Giichi Kitajima, a pyrotechnic man of Tsuchiura and a chairman of the Japan Fireworks Industry, a former organization of the present Japan Fireworks Association carried this competition forward. Therefore this is known as No. 1 competition of its kind in Japan with its history and tradition.
This competition is of course to contribute the improvement on the techniques aiming at the highest level in its quality, scale & contents, but also I am proud this is a big entertainment of sound & light to give dreams and impressions to all spectators.
The competition consists of three divisions, Starmine, Size 12inches – shell, & Original displays. Each award including the Minister of Economy, Trade & Industry will be given to a winner of each division, which becomes very characteristic of this competition. Specially, the Prime Minister Award given to the best of winners of three divisions is a goal for the fireworks manufacturers throughout the country. This is the best stage for them to show and prove their skills which are highly qualified even among the industry of the world highest level.
This is also characteristic of this competition that 1900 volunteers and citizens support the work of information service on the day of the competition and the work of cleaning the place the next day. On behalf of the staffs operating the competition I would like to deeply appreciate for the strong support.
At the end, I would like to express my deep appreciation again for the manufacturers traveling a long distance through the country, the judges accepted the work among their busy days and all the people involved in this competition to give us cooperation and assistance. This is my salutation of thanks and welcome. Now then Ladies and Gentlemen, please enjoy the art of light & sound created by the fireworks and the fantasy of autumn night sky!
Chairman of Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition
Mayor of Tsuchiura City
Mr. Kiyoshi Nakagawa

(reference: PR of Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition)