Japan at the International Fireworks Competition in the Herrenhäuser Gardens (September 5, 2014)

The International Fireworks Competition is welcoming visitors from Asia: After the Czech team “Flash Barrandov Special Effects” demonstrated their skills on May 17, the English team “1st Galaxy Fireworks” on May 31, and the Swiss pyrotechnicians from “Sugyp SA” on August 23, it is now the turn of the Japanese team  "Marutamaya Co." to impress the visitors and the jury.

The team led by Director Toshikatsu Ogatsu and show designer Sayaka Shimada has spent several months of intensive preparation and meticulous planning. “I’ve been gathering ideas since spring for the fireworks display in this very special setting of the Herrenhausen Gardens,” Shimada reveals. “When designing the show, I drew inspiration from Baroque architecture, sculpture, and painting.” Following the four-minute compulsory piece “Der Hexenritt” by Engelbert Humperdinck, the Japanese fireworks display transports the audience to a fantasy world full of magic and spirits. Dynamic movements, unusual structures, and light-dark contrasts underscore the artistic character of the show.

For their artistic vision, their precise forms and colors,

"Marutamaya Co." is well known: The team is considered the leading fireworks company in Japan and has already introduced traditional Japanese fireworks to cities around the world, including New York, Montreal, Paris, Moscow, and Düsseldorf. With their unique style, the pyrotechnicians have already won numerous awards, such as 3rd place at the International Firework Competition in Montreal (1994), 1st place (2005) and 2nd place (2013) at the Flammende Sterne competition in Ostfildern, and the Public Jury Prize as well as the Czech TV Prize at the Ignis Brunensis competition in Brno.

Participating in the 24th International Fireworks Competition is a great honor for Marutamaya: “Our time in Hanover will be a valuable experience that will give us new expertise. We’re also looking forward to exchanging ideas with the German pyrotechnicians,” says Ogatsu. But the most important thing, he adds, is that all spectators enjoy the fireworks and have a wonderful evening.

In addition to the fireworks, the supporting program—sponsored by the DJF Hannover-Hiroshima-Yukokai e.V. and the DJG Hannover Chado-Kai e.V.—will ensure a thoroughly enjoyable Japanese evening. Before the fireworks are set off at 9:30 p.m. near the Schwanenteiche, friendly dragons, geishas with white-painted faces, and the drummers of Masa-Daiko will transport you to the Land of the Rising Sun in the garden theater. Traditional Japanese clothing—from children’s garments to wedding kimonos—will be showcased in a kimono show on the rehearsal stage. The Japanese meadow near the rehearsal stage invites visitors to join in and try their hand at various activities: In addition to the traditional Japanese paper-folding art of origami, calligraphy, haiku, and manga portraits are offered for children and adults alike. On the cabaret stage, Flamme e Fabulee tell a story of fire, dance, and emotions in an exciting fire performance. And as they wander through the garden, visitors will encounter a cherry blossom vendor, mysterious glowing figures, and luminous drums.

The competition continues: The Final

On September 20, the 24th International Fireworks Competition will conclude with a show by the Greek team “Nanos Fireworks & Special Effects.” The company is now in its fourth generation and is the oldest and largest fireworks company in Greece. The Greeks’ extensive portfolio includes spectacular events such as the fireworks displays for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Athens (2004), the Eurovision Song Contest (2006), the UEFA Champions League Final (2007), and concerts by stars such as Jennifer Lopez and AC/DC. The Greek team has also been extremely successful in competitions: for example, they won the “Flammende Sterne” competition in Ostfildern (2005) and took first place at the 6th International Music Fireworks Festival in Shanghai, China (2011)—and, most recently, at the 2014 “Ignis Brunensis” competition in Brno.

The tickets

Advance ticket sales for September 6 have already ended; however, 700 tickets will still be available at the box office starting at 4 p.m.

Advance tickets are still available for the Greek fireworks display; there will also be 700 tickets available at the box office on the night of the event!

Tickets for the International Fireworks Competition are available at the Hannover Tourist Information office, Ernst-August-Platz 8, as well as at all major ticket outlets for 17.50 (reduced price 14.50 euros). On the day of the event, tickets can also be purchased at the box office starting at 4:00 p.m. for 20 euros (reduced rate: 16 euros), while supplies last. Tickets can be booked online using the order form at www.hannover-tourismus.de or www.hannover.de/feuerwerk.

Ticket hotline: +49 (0)511 / 12345-123

Tip for families: For 46.50 euros, two adults and two children up to age 14 can attend the competition (tickets available only at the Tourist Information Office, via the online form, and at the box office). All admission tickets are valid as transit passes on the GVH system on the day of the event, starting three hours before the event begins until closing time.

For more information about the 24th International Fireworks Competition, visit www.hannover.de/feuerwerk.