39th Yatsushiro National Fireworks Competition

Summary

Cancelled: the 39th Yatsushiro National Fireworks Competition, set for October 17 on the Kuma riverbed, was officially called off on August 7 after the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake brought severe damage to the city. The event had gathered pyrotechnicians from as far as Akita and Kagoshima to compete with about 14,000 shells before roughly 300,000 spectators - Kyushu's autumn fixture. Refund procedures for lottery-won, paid tickets are posted on the official site.

Overview

The cancellation was decided on August 7, 2026, by the executive committee that includes Yatsushiro City, after an earthquake that registered a lower-6 on the Japanese intensity scale in the city; the 30 pyrotechnicians slated to compete were stood down. Paid-seat and parking sales had already been suspended on July 29. Organizers had planned the usual fair of regional produce stalls and food trucks along the Kuma river greenway. Refunds for purchased tickets are being handled through the official site, with inquiries to the city's tourism division (0965-33-4132). For updates on recovery and the event's future, follow the official site and city announcements. Other fireworks events within Kumamoto Prefecture have also been affected by the earthquake, so travelers with plans in the region should re-verify each event's status before setting out.

Details

FAQ