Spectacular Japanese Fireworks
Photographer Hidenobu Suzuki captured ‘tezutsu hanabi’, cascades of flames that men hold at arm's length until the point of exhaustion.
© Hidenobu Suzuki
These Japanese fireworks, named tezutsu hanabi, are one of the country’s oldest traditions. It all began in the city of Toyohashi in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, 400 years ago. These fireworks, which served as a means of communication in wartime, their flames reaching up to 20 metres in height, are made by hand from bamboo. The lit cylinders are held by men for the duration of the ceremony. This perilous spectacle was captured by Japanese photographer Hidenobu Suzuki. His photographs mainly show men standing surrounded by flames, under a shower of sparks.
Hidenobu Suzuki’s work can be found on his website.
© Hidenobu Suzuki
© Hidenobu Suzuki
© Hidenobu Suzuki
© Hidenobu Suzuki
TRENDING
-
The Tattoos that Marked the Criminals of the Edo Period
Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos, while theft might result in an arm tattoo.
-
‘Morning Glory’, Bodies Dancing into the Dusk
Mexican photographer Orlando Vega captures the life cycle of the popular flower in Japan through a play of fabrics and shadows.
-
PIGMENT, a Shop-Museum Dedicated to Art Supplies
In this store designed by Kengo Kuma, visitors come not only to stock up on materials, but also to admire the coloured pigments on the wall.
-
The Forest that Inspired 'Princess Mononoke' in Yakushima
This mountainous island is teeming with natural wonders, from beaches with star-shaped sand to a virgin forest that inspired Hayao Miyazaki.
-
Rituals of Ancient Gay Shunga Erotica
Shunga was prolific in Japan during the Edo period, with ‘nanshoku’ referring to the depiction of homosexual erotica.
