Kudos to Japan: Honda Celebration of Light fireworks come roaring back (PHOTO, VIDEOS)

The Honda Celebration of Light fireworks made a grand return Saturday night, following a prolonged pandemic hiatus that saw the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 festivals.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Vancouver’s quintessential summer event, and one of the world’s longest consecutive running fireworks competitions.

Last night’s display was designed by Akariya Fireworks, representing Team Japan 🇯🇵.

You might also like:
• Honda Celebration of Light 2022 participating countries
• Honda Celebration of Light to feature more than 20 food vendors this year
• Honda Celebration of Light debuts new family-friendly Festival Zone this year
• How TransLink is making it easier to get to the Honda Celebration of Light
• Honda Celebration of Light announces free concert lineup for festival zone

Normally, the pyrotechnics teams that represent a country are on-site as consultants, assisting the local team. But due to Japan’s strict, lengthy quarantine rules for anyone entering or returning to the country, the representatives with Akariya Fireworks opted not to come to Vancouver, and instead sent their design to the local production company to coordinate.

Special footage: Relive the entire 25-minute 2022 Honda Celebration of Light fireworks by Team Japan:

Akariya Fireworks put on a very traditional display, with positions that are simultaneous, symmetrical, big, and high impact. The soundtrack featured a range of Japanese music, along with “The Greatest Show” from The Greatest Showman musical for the finale.

This team is a Honda Celebration of Light favourite, having previously won the Honda Celebration of Light twice in 2014 and 2017.

The Vancouver Police Department did not report any issues as a result of last night’s celebration. Each night typically draws upwards of 400,000 spectators to the beaches, parks, and seawall around English Bay.

There are two more fireworks night to come for the 2022 festival; Team Canada will take to the night sky over English Bay on Wednesday, July 27, followed by Team Spain on Saturday, July 30.

All fireworks shows, starting at 10 pm, are preceded by the Red Bull Air Show at 7:40 pm. On Canada’s night, there will be a special additional air show featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds at 6 pm.

Team Japan’s show during the 2022 Honda Celebration of Light. (Mark Teasdale/@
MarksGonePublic/Twitter/submitted)

Team Japan’s show during the 2022 Honda Celebration of Light. (Mark Teasdale/@
MarksGonePublic/Twitter/submitted)

“The Greatest Show” closes off the first Honda Celebration of Light fireworks night in 3 years! What a show, what a finale.

Well done, Japan. 🇯🇵 #CelebOfLight pic.twitter.com/k7bZUdMy8I

— Kenneth Chan (@iamkennethchan) July 24, 2022

Finale of Japan at tonight’s #Festivaloflights. Yes, I am the only person in Vancouver posting about the fireworks I know it 🤣 pic.twitter.com/VExdjN6UbQ

— BackstageRider 🤘🏼 (@BackstageRider) July 24, 2022

Beautiful 🎇#JULY23#Vancouver #FIREWORKS #CelebrationofLight pic.twitter.com/9cCTdAI8vX

— TARO (@TARO14910782) July 24, 2022

For those that don’t know, in the summer, Vancouver hosts an international fireworks competition between national teams

Tonight was Japan pic.twitter.com/srQaByu7P0

— ☄️🥂 𝕻𝖞𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖆 ᴿᴬᴳᴱᑫDᵢ̄ᵥ 𝕾𝖍𝖎𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖉 ✈️ (@PartyPrat) July 24, 2022

Vancouver fireworks. pic.twitter.com/FQrVkAQQRY

— Roy3.0 🏁 (@roy250swb) July 24, 2022

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kiran (@kgug.yvr)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by hazel walker (@queenofglobalnetworking)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Al Dadlani (@thekidfrommumbai)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Alessandro Pesce (@roccoaroundtheworld)