Think the Earth

A scene from "LIGHT UP NIPPON"

Fireworks are a summer tradition in Japan. Last year, many fireworks festivals were cancelled due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. But what if we could use such fireworks in Tohoku... One man's brilliant idea is what kick started the "LIGHT UP NIPPON" project.

"The Tokyo Bay Great Fireworks Festival has been cancelled. But what's going to happen to the fireworks?" thought Yoshitake Takada, a businessman working in Tokyo. The announcement was made on March 22, but one week later, Mr. Takada had already made arrangements to meet the pyrotechnician, and that is when he thought of taking the fireworks to Tohoku. With the desire to "cheer up Tohoku and Japan," he traveled to areas afflicted by the earthquake and spoke to people of the region. He also made significant efforts to secure monetary contributions. As a result of his perseverance, on August 11 last year, the fireworks lit up the night sky in 10 locations along the Pacific coast in Tohoku.

The film, "LIGHT UP NIPPON - Miraculous fireworks that illuminated Japan," (directed by Kensaku Kakimoto), was created documenting how this came about. It features narration provided by a famous Japanese actress, Hitomi Kuroki, and music by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Kotringo. The film was shown in theaters in Shinjuku as well as other parts of Tokyo until July 20, but currently the film is looking for other theaters to volunteer. Revenues from the film will continue to be donated to LIGHT UP NIPPON, which will be held on August 11. The film may be shown even after August 11, in which case the proceeds will be used to fund the fireworks next year.

Ms. Chiharu Hatakeyama from United People, an organization that helps find voluntary theaters to showcase the film, says, "The fireworks, which is a requiem, but also reflects hopes for restoration, was the most beautiful fireworks I've ever seen. It was really moving. I hope that many people will watch the film, so that we can deliver fireworks to Tohoku again this year."

You can watch the movie trailer and also find information about which theaters the movie is being shown in on the website.