Signature summer events in Japan are
fireworks displays.
Fireworks are called hanabi in Japanese.
"Hana" means flower and "bi" means fire.
There are several fireworks displays
every year, however, the most traditional
and best known in Tokyo area is
at the Sumida River.
Itis said to have started over 250 years
ago during the mid Edo period.
There was an unusually poor harvest and
about one million people died of famine.
In order to comfort their souls and
to disperse evil spirits, a festival was held
at the Sumida River in honor of the god
of water in 1733. This festival became
an annual summer event.
The festival has been attracting
about one million people each year.
People dress in yukata and streets
lined by food and game stalls.
Enjoy summer in Japan to the fullest!