"Shaku" is the old Japanese unit for length which almost equals to foot. Three shaku is the diameter of this ball. You can easily guess what this ball is from the fuse on its head. Yes, it is the original style of a firework before exploding -- actually it is a replica because a real firework is as dangerous as a bomb. In terms of the size of fireworks, 3 shaku or 3 feet is the largest in the world. It is launched into the sky at the altitude of 600 meters and the diameter of the open firework comes to 550 meters! It was supposed to be the highlight in the fireworks festival which was held last night in Kushiro. However, it was lost in the sky without being watched by any audience in the place. It's not that it was misfired. It was successfully launched into the sky after countdown of 10, but there was a thick cloud at the altitude of 600 meters. We could only see the flashing debris after the explosion and hear the huge sound with a vibration. Every one around me couldn't help laughing at the unluckiness and one old woman said behind me, "it's just a funny story." As I mentioned in this blog, this year's festivals in Kushiro were almost cursed. One of the dancing parades was canceled in a heavy rain and the other was like a Songgran (a traditional Thai festival in which people throw water each other). The other fireworks festival was not good because of no wind. May the luck come back to this city soon.
I find your short entries very interesting. Thank you. I am sorry to intrude and I might not bother you again. I found your blog when looking for a picture of hinomaru bentou to show to my friend who did not understand well my explanation. =) Your blog came up in a search. Thank you for your stories.
Posted by: Sarah "Shuya" | October 08, 2008 at 11:49 AM