tourism

The black gunpowder used in senko hanabi is made from three materials: pine soot, sulfur, and potassium nitrite. As the manufacturing of fireworks is an extremely delicate and dangerous process, it is done entirely by hand in a thoroughly controlled environment. The blended gunpowder is then divided into 0.08 gram portions and rolled into paper. But if the amount differs even by 1%, the spark dispersion pattern will change; every aspect of the production process is precise down to the milligram. In order to prevent the gunpowder from exploding, no electricity is allowed in the workshop — all fireworks are made under natural light with no air conditioning or heating.

Tsutsui Tokimasa is committed to using quality raw materials: such as the roots of pine trees from Miyazaki Prefecture that have been rested for over 30 years to make the main ingredient of gunpowder, pine soot, or growing in-house the increasingly hard to find long rice straw that forms the core of the Subo Tebotan traditional Japanese sparkler. Fireworks culture is also slowly disappearing, especially in urban areas with restrictions on fireworks use. In response, the Tsutsui family opened an inn for enjoying fireworks called Kawanoie, a riverside accommodation in Kuroki Town, Yame City. Through efforts such as these, Tsutsui Tokimasa continues to pass on Japanese fireworks culture to future generations.

In this program, experience the two main steps of the senko hanabi production process, dyeing and rolling. The first step is to dye paper in various designs and colors, which will later be used to wrap the gunpowder. Once the coloring is completed, it’s time to put in the gunpowder and roll the paper into sparklers. Use a special tool that accurately measures the amount of gunpowder required down to the milligram, and then wrap and carefully twist the paper around the gunpowder. This part of the production process is where craftspeoples’ skills shine, as the way in which the paper is rolled can change the way the senko hanabi’s sparks scatter once lit. Learn more about these techniques directly from expert craftspeople themselves, and make your very own original senko hanabi sparklers through this unique workshop.

Tsutsui Tokimasa is equipped with a darkroom specially made for fireworks testing, and you can enjoy the senko hanabi you created through this program even during the daytime. Upon lighting the sparkler, the four stages of the senko hanabi’s burn has an ephemeral beauty that can be compared to life itself. For those who don’t want to light the senko hanabi they made in the program, Tsutsui Tokimasa has also prepared senko hanabi made by the workshop for guests to enjoy in the darkroom. A complimentary firework carrying box from Tsutsui Tokimasa also makes senko hanabi a great gift. (Please note that for those visiting from abroad, fireworks are not permitted aboard most commercial aircrafts.)

Tsutsui Tokimasa also makes a wide variety of fireworks in addition to senko hanabi sparklers. Its showroom and store is lined with these colorfully-designed creations, an exciting sight for children and adults alike. As the showroom also exhibits the firework-making process and raw materials used in the production of senko hanabi, you can chat with Ryota and Kyoko Tsutsui while enjoying the lingering afternotes of the firework-making experience. For those who wish to do so, shopping can also be done during this time.