A Fireworks Show to Delight the Five Senses Captivates 15,000 Spectators! STAR ISLAND 2019 Event Report: A Triumphant Return to Japan Following Global Success

The long rainy season has finally ended, and the Japanese archipelago is at last welcoming the height of summer. When one thinks of summer, one thinks of fireworks! With that in mind (though perhaps a bit abruptly), this blog post will cover the STAR ISLAND 2019 fireworks show held recently in Toyosu!

■ Tickets Completely Sold Out!
Growing into Globally Recognized Content in Just Three Years

“STAR ISLAND” is a form of “sensory-expanding entertainment” that provides an emotional experience by stimulating the five senses. It features a complete synchronization of Japan’s world-class traditional fireworks with cutting-edge technology, including 3D sound, lighting, lasers, and live show performances.
SUNNY SIDE UP has been responsible for the PR of this event for three consecutive years since its debut in 2017.

Since its first event in 2017, STAR ISLAND has captivated a total of 30,000 people over its two previous Tokyo editions. At the end of 2018, it made its first overseas expansion, being selected as the main content for one of Asia’s largest countdown events in Singapore. Furthermore, it is scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia this autumn! In just over three years since its inception, it has grown into content that attracts attention from all over the world.

■ A Place Where People of All Ages Enjoy Their Own Time

This year, STAR ISLAND moved its venue from Odaiba to Toyosu. Remarkably, this was the first time in history that fireworks were launched off the coast of Toyosu! The superb location, with Tokyo’s skyscrapers and the Rainbow Bridge in the background, heightens the sense of excitement.

Throughout the venue, performers dressed in futuristic costumes appeared in various locations to build excitement leading up to the start of the show. Additionally, the move to Toyosu increased the site area, allowing for a more extensive array of food and drink booths and trucks than ever before. A new “LIMITED STAR SEAT -BBQ-” was introduced this year, allowing guests to enjoy a barbecue alongside the fireworks, giving the impression that the culinary activities have been significantly enhanced. With DJs playing music from popular artists, the atmosphere of the venue was reminiscent of an outdoor festival!

Furthermore, the number of kids’ areas was increased to two this year, and more young children were seen throughout the venue than in previous years. It was impressive to see people of all ages and genders enjoying their time in their own way.

It is easy to see why tickets for every seating category sold out instantly. As the sun set, the performances by the elaborately costumed entertainers grew more intense, further heightening the anticipation for the main show.

■ Grand Entertainment Inspired by a “Journey to Space”!

The event date, July 20, coincided exactly with the 50th anniversary of the first human moon landing. Consequently, the theme for this year’s show was “2019: A SPACE ODYSSEY.” The performance and fireworks unfolded as a journey through space.

Against the backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline, performers delivered a fantastical dance beneath a succession of large, blooming fireworks. The cast included former Olympic gymnasts and world-class professional BMX freestyle riders, who mesmerized the 15,000 spectators gathered at the venue.

3D sound emitted from speakers installed throughout the venue enveloped the audience. Every time a firework was launched, cheers erupted from the crowd that rivaled the roar of the explosions.

The fireworks shining in the night sky, the pleasant resonance of the 3D sound, the colorful lighting, and the powerful performances—the sensation of all these elements synchronizing and vibrating through one’s body was an experience that felt as though five senses were not enough to take it all in.

■ An Overwhelmingly Real Experience That Cannot Be Captured on a Smartphone Screen

We now live in an era where most content can be viewed through a smartphone. It is common to feel as though one has “visited” various places around the world through video.

However, precisely because we live in an age where information from around the world is available without leaving home, people may be more drawn to “real experiences”—things they can see with their own eyes, hear with their own ears, taste with their own tongues, and feel with their own skin.

Through this edition of STAR ISLAND, I felt that an “overwhelmingly real experience” is the key to moving people’s hearts. (Though I, too, was desperately pointing my smartphone at the night sky to capture the fireworks… *bitter smile*)

It is certain that the “experiences” accumulated within oneself become the driving force for creating new “fun commotions.” This concludes the STAR ISLAND 2019 event report!

Image Credit: (c) STAR ISLAND 2019