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Report
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| Traditional Japanese Culture Rocks
Opening Ceremony |
| Edo Fireworks |
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At 18:59 on 11 January 2003 the thousands
packing the Graz began counting down. As they reached zero with
a cry of "Null!", a streak of light rose over the city's Schlossberg
hill and a passel of flowers wheeled into bloom against the canvas
of the night. Edo fireworks had begun. One after another, the fireworks
launched to sketch chrysanthemums, peonies, willows and other vivid
botanical figures in thesky, their light further brightening the
faces of the enthusiastic crowd below.
Japanese fireworks are now an established tradition opening the
year of the Cultural Capital of Europe. With the help of ocal fireworks
technicians, this year again the traditional Japanese art form graced
this European festival of culture.
Fireworks took root and then spread in Japan during the Edo period
(1600-1868) and then developed over time with the arrival from other
countries of new technologies and imports of barium nitrate for
use as a colorant. Rich in variety, Japanese fireworks are considered
the world's prettiest.
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Date: 11 January 2003
Launch site: Schlossberg, Graz
Pyrotechnicians: Ikebun
Graz assistant pyrotechnician: Gunter
Vogler
Assistance: Mitsuro Katsuyama
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