About 18,000 fireworks lit up the sky over Daisen City on Saturday. Daisen is located in the northern Japanese prefecture of Akita.

Twenty-eight pyrotechnic firms from across Japan took part in the 95th Omagari Fireworks Competition. The event is one of the largest of its kind in the country.

It was the first time in four years that the annual event was held without any coronavirus restrictions. The competition was canceled in 2020 and 2021. Last year it was held, but there were not many food items and beverages for sale.

At one point, yellow and green fireworks were used to create an image of a sunflower, which is Ukraine's national flower. After that, 2,000 fireworks were ignited in rapid succession in the space of about five minutes. That was the climax of the event, and the spectators responded by applauding enthusiastically.

A man, who came from Tokyo with his wife, said he was moved by the spectacular views. He also said it was good that they were able to drink cool beverages, while they watched the show this year.