On July 11, 2026, starting at 7:45 PM, the memorial firework "Shiragiku" (白菊) will be launched near Nehama Beach in Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture. The event is organized by the 3·11 Prayers and Bonds "Shiragiku" Executive Committee, with the Iwate Nippo serving as the secretariat. The firework has been a tradition since 2020, launched annually on March 11 to mourn victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake — but this year, due to fire risks caused by dry weather conditions at the time, the launch has been rescheduled to July 11, the monthly anniversary of the disaster.
A Firework That Carries Prayers to the Next Generation
The "Shiragiku" firework inherits the spirit of master fireworks craftsman Seiji Kase from Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture, whose wish was to express condolences and prayers for peace. Since its first launch in Kamaishi in 2020, the event has continued each year with the aim of keeping the memory alive and passing down the spirit of mourning and reconstruction to future generations — until the 30th anniversary of the disaster in 2041.
Crowdfunding Achieves Over 1.23 Million Yen in Support
Marking the 15th anniversary of the disaster, the committee launched a crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE to build a sustainable operational framework. By the campaign's close on March 6, a total of 1,230,000 yen was raised from 190 supporters across Japan. On March 10, a full-page advertisement was placed in the Iwate Nippo to express gratitude to donors and to share a message of prayer.
Postponed to July for Safety
The firework was originally planned for March 11, but the executive committee decided to postpone it due to fire risks from the dry weather conditions at that time of year. The aim was to find "the best possible way for everyone to look up at the night sky in peace." On the night of July 11 — the monthly anniversary — the firework will rise over the Kamaishi sky together with prayers from all who attend.
Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Saturday, July 11, 2026, starting at 7:45 PM (scheduled) |
| Location | Near Nehama Beach, Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture |
| Organizer | 3·11 Prayers and Bonds "Shiragiku" Executive Committee |
| Online Streaming | A live stream of the firework launch will be available on official SNS channels on the day of the event |
