For many Japanese, summer just isn't summer without fireworks. The popularity of the displays can be attributed to the transient nature of their beauty, the same reason the short-lived cherry blossom is so appreciated.
According to the Japan Pyrotechnics Association, there are annually about 3,000 to 4,000 fireworks displays nationwide. The displays vary in scale and are mostly concentrated in late July and August.
Hideo Futamata of the JPA said a recent trend in pyrotechnics shows is "figure fireworks," which create shapes such as fish and sunglasses once shot in the sky.