Mark your calendars! The Kobe Bright Night Committee (formerly known as the Minato Kobe Maritime Fireworks Festival Committee) has officially announced the return of the much-awaited Minato Hanabi festival in October this year. This dispersed fireworks event, Minato Hanabi 2023 – Brightening Kobe for 5 Days, aims to reignite the vibrancy of Kobe’s waterfront, carrying forward the legacy of last year’s successful event.
When and Where?
The festival will be held from October 16 (Monday) to October 20 (Friday), 2023. Each evening will be illuminated with a spectacular 10-minute firework display starting at 6:30 PM. The committee is planning for the event to proceed even in case of rain, though severe weather conditions could lead to cancellation.
The displays will be launched from a specially installed platform off Meriken Park, which will also serve as the prime viewing spot. Please note that no other designated viewing locations have been established, and the event is free to attend.
What’s in Store?
Around 700 fireworks will light up the sky each day. A special feature of the event will be “music fireworks,” where the pyrotechnics will be synchronized to music, creating an awe-inspiring harmony of sound and light. The committee has made the difficult decision not to provide a Heartful Zone (an area dedicated to individuals with disabilities) this year.
Background and Future Plans
The committee has been organizing the Minato Kobe Maritime Fireworks Festival since 1971. However, due to the spread of COVID-19 and redevelopment of the Kobe waterfront, the traditional event format was suspended after its 49th edition in 2019. Last year (2022), in the prolonged shadow of the pandemic, the committee took a new approach with a dispersed fireworks event. This allowed citizens to safely enjoy the fireworks, and successfully brought life back to Kobe’s waterfront.
Moving forward, the committee has decided to continue with this new format, which they believe is more sustainable. To reflect this new direction, they have changed their name to the Kobe Bright Night Committee. The word “Bright” in the name symbolizes the bright, shining fireworks in Kobe’s night sky, and the illumination that brightens the city of Kobe.
Stay Tuned
For more information, updates, and the latest news, visit the official Minato Hanabi website.
Let’s look forward to these five days of spectacular celebrations that will surely brighten up the city of Kobe!
