The fireworks show in Ezuko was a big success. Actually, though I have been in Kumamoto the whole time, I wasn’t fully aware of the recent history of the event. According to this article, the event got started in Ezuko in 1978. Due to concerns that distracted drivers on the Higashi Bypass might cause accidents, the event was moved to Kumamoto Castle in 2005. However, Kumamoto Castle proved to be a problematic venue as well. Congestion in the downtown area led to the cancellation of the event after 2010. Sunday’s event was the first such fireworks show in Kumamoto City since 2010 and the first show in Ezuko since 2004. During his campaign, Mayor Onishi promised to bring the event back to Ezuko so the show was also the fulfillment of a campaign promise.
The other day I wrote that the city got a good deal of criticism on their Facebook page because of the late cancelation on Saturday. Actually, though, when I went back and read a bit more I found that the majority of people wrote words of encouragement like “we understand that you’re doing your best to make it a success,” etc. I think a lot of people really appreciated the revival of the event. Personally, I enjoyed a distant view for a few minutes from a point near my home, but didn’t go all the way to Ezuko. Nonetheless, I’m glad that the rain wasn’t too bad and that the event was a success.
— Kirk
http://www.sankei.com/region/news/150214/rgn1502140027-n1.html
