The 74th Ise Jingu Dedication National Fireworks Competition is set for Saturday, July 18, 2026, along the Miya River in Ise, Mie Prefecture. One of Japan's premier competitive fireworks events, this annual competition brings together selected pyrotechnists from across the country to offer their fireworks in dedication to Ise Jingu. Each burst is a work of art evaluated for color, shape, and transformation — an evening where viewers can appreciate every single shell as an individual creation.
Event Overview
Name: 74th Ise Jingu Dedication National Fireworks Competition
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026 (Reiwa 8), 7:20 PM – 9:00 PM
*Rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, the event will be postponed to Saturday, September 5, 2026 (Reiwa 8); if September 5 is also affected by severe weather, it will be further postponed to Sunday, September 6.
Venue: Miya River Riverside, Ise City, Mie Prefecture (upstream of Watarai Bridge)
Organizers: Ise Jingu Dedication National Fireworks Competition Committee, Ise City, Ise City Tourism Association (public interest incorporated association), Ise Chamber of Commerce, Ise-Obata Town Chamber of Commerce, Chunichi Shimbun
Total Shells: Approximately 8,400
About the Competition
One of Japan's three great competitive fireworks events, this competition began in 1953 to commemorate the 59th Jingu Shikinen Sengu (the periodic renewal ceremony of Ise Jingu). It is the only competition in the country dedicated to offering fireworks to a jingu (imperial shrine). Held early in the summer season, it draws competing pyrotechnists from as far as Akita Prefecture in the north and Kagoshima Prefecture in the south.
The competition is divided into two categories:
- Launched Fireworks Division — each entrant launches three 5-go shells (approx. 15 cm diameter) and one 10-go shell (approx. 30 cm diameter) in sequence
- Starmine Division — a rhythmically orchestrated sequence of varied fireworks
Featuring core-burst shells and creative fireworks that showcase each pyrotechnist's artistry, the competition delivers a high level of craftsmanship that anyone — expert or first-time viewer — can appreciate. The event opens with an opening starmine and closes with a wide starmine finale.
Judging is carried out by a panel of seven — including specialists from the Japan Pyrotechnics Association, experts, and artists, with two members serving as safety judges. The competition has been endorsed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Japan Tourism Agency since the 59th edition, with top awards including the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Prize and the Commissioner for Tourism Prize. Winners receive certificates and prizes from Ise Jingu and other presenters.
Viewing Seats
General Sale
Available until sold out (currently on sale)
- Online: Ticket Pia (Pia code: 660-660)
- Convenience stores: FamilyMart, 7-Eleven
Seat types include reserved block seats (6-person), individual general admission, and individual reserved chair seats.
Furusato Nozei (hometown tax donation) allocation
Accepting applications through Tuesday, June 30.
