What captivated 15,000 people in an instant…? Event report on the futuristic fireworks entertainment “STAR ISLAND 2018”

■So, what exactly is “futuristic fireworks entertainment”?
Hello. I’m O from the PR Group. This time, I will report on the futuristic fireworks entertainment “STAR ISLAND 2018,” held last weekend at Odaiba Seaside Park.

For those wondering, “What exactly is futuristic fireworks entertainment?”
“STAR ISLAND,” a futuristic fireworks entertainment experience, is the world’s first fireworks entertainment that innovatively evolves fireworks—a traditional culture Japan is proud to share with the world—by fusing a variety of content such as cutting-edge 3D sound technology, show performances, lighting, and more. At its inaugural event last year, it drew approximately 15,000 spectators. This year, it returned for its second edition, even more powerful than before.
http://www.star-island.jp/
Overseeing the event’s creative direction is Mr. Kenji Kohashi, who has successfully brought international events such as ULTRA JAPAN to Japan and continues to thrive beyond conventional roles as an actor, film director, and creative director. Music direction is led by katsuyuki seto, a leading figure in 3D sound; lighting is handled by LIGHTING ENGINEER AIBA. Fireworks are produced by Marutamaya Kokatsu Enka-ten, a long-established fireworks company with over 150 years of history. *Incidentally, our company, SUNNY SIDE UP, has also been in charge of the event’s PR for two consecutive years (^^)

In other words… a completely new, made-in-Japan entertainment experience created by a collaboration between fireworks artisans and up-and-coming creators active on the global stage.

For me personally, it was my first fireworks show of the year. Holding back the urge to break into a jog, I headed to the venue.

■The seats that “change how you watch fireworks” are impressive, too!
The first thing that surprised me upon arriving was the sheer number of seating options for watching the fireworks.

And for good reason. With the theme of “changing how you watch fireworks,” “STAR ISLAND 2018” offers unique viewing styles—one of its key attractions. Options include the “Bed Seat,” where you can enjoy fireworks while lying down, and the “Dinner Seat,” where you can enjoy a meal as well, along with the “Group Seat” for families and friends, the “Premium Pair Seat” that might just bring couples closer together (!?), plus the “Star Seat” and “Star View Seat”—a total of six types of seats.

Bed Seat. Time seems to slow down.

Dinner Seat. The main dish is the fireworks themselves.

Group Seat. Fireworks are always special when you watch them together.

It is no surprise that tickets for each seat type sold out immediately. And as the sun set, the performers—dressed in lavish costumes—grew more and more intense, building anticipation for the show at last.

In one corner of the venue, there were lanterns bearing the names of individuals and companies that supported the event through crowdfunding. At a time when fireworks festivals across Japan are declining for various reasons, it is clear that many people’s feelings and support are sustaining this event.

■“Evolving fireworks culture” The show begins!
The show’s theme was “One”—a grand story spanning from the birth of the Earth to the future of humankind. Early in the show, fire performers and water performers who controlled real flames and water appeared, heightening anticipation for the fireworks.
3D sound poured from more than 300 speakers installed throughout the venue, enveloping the audience—and when massive fireworks burst into the night sky, an even louder cheer erupted!
Fireworks shining in the night sky, the pleasantly resonant 3D sound, and colorful lighting… the sensation of it all syncing together and reverberating through your body was an experience so rich that even using all five senses did not feel like enough.

■What moves people’s hearts is, after all, “people”!
The one-night-only entertainment that captivated 15,000 people came to a successful close.
Creators and fireworks artisans take the lead in making the content; it is conveyed to people through various means, including PR; and then as many as 15,000 people share the same experience at the same moment. Watching people create, people communicate, and people be moved, I was reminded once again that what truly moves people’s hearts is “people.”
It was especially memorable when a young PR staff member in charge on site said, “I was moved by seeing how moved the audience was.” That is why you cannot quit PR work, is it? (^^)

After the event, Mr. Kenji Kohashi, who served as the overall producer, spoke about future prospects as follows: “Of course, I would like to do a third one here in Odaiba. Also, the canvas is not only Odaiba—there are many places around the world. I want to color canvases all over the world and connect with landscapes around the world. I want to take this culture, this new culture, to the world—not just keep it in Japan.”

So what kind of picture is he trying to paint on the next canvas?
Whatever that picture may be, it is surely bound to become a “fun commotion.”