From 'Watching' to 'Handing Down': HIS Launches 'Nagaoka Fireworks Hanaiku Tabi' Project to Connect Nagaoka Fireworks to the Next Generation

HIS Co., Ltd. (HIS) is launching the 'Nagaoka Fireworks Hanaiku Tabi' project to pass on the history and sentiments of 'requiem, reconstruction, and peace' of the Nagaoka Fireworks, which Nagaoka City in Niigata Prefecture is proud of, to the next generation.

The origins of the 'Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Display,' known as one of Japan's three major fireworks festivals, lie in the 'Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival,' which prayed for the memorial and reconstruction of those who died in the Nagaoka air raid on August 1, 1945. As 80 years have passed since the end of the war and the number of survivors is decreasing, it has become an urgent issue how to convey the essential value of 'prayer for peace' embedded in the fireworks, rather than just treating it as entertainment, to the next generation.

HIS has launched this project with the aim of transforming children from mere 'spectators' of fireworks into 'transmitters' who can visualize the question 'Why do we set off fireworks?' and tell the story of peace.

Main Initiatives of the 'Nagaoka Fireworks Hanaiku Tabi' Project:

1. Launch of the 'The Sky Connects, 1945-2026' Special Site A special site has been set up to disseminate the purpose and historical background of the project. The annual progress will be recorded and produced as a documentary video to be shared.

2. Planning and Sales of 'Hanaiku Tabi' Bus Tour for High School Students A special tour providing deep learning and dialogue for high school students is planned. - Deep Learning and Dialogue: Visiting the Nagaoka War Disaster Archives and holding dialogues with air raid survivors and pyrotechnicians. - Expressing Sensibilities: Output sessions to express thoughts after watching the fireworks. - Program Certification: The Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation will award a 'Completion Certificate' to participants.

Outline of the 2-Day 'Hanaiku Tabi' Bus Tour: - Departure/Arrival: Shinjuku - Departure Dates: August 2 (Sun) and 3 (Mon), 2026 - Travel Price: 59,900 yen (including tax) - Minimum Number of Participants: 10 - Eligibility: High school students only