“Hanabi Doranbachi” is a fireworks display put on by the parishioners of Oji Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine in Yamakawa Town, Kurume City. The elaborate set piece of fireworks to ward off illness and pray for an abundant crop done every year on September 15 dates back to the Edo Era (1603 – 1868) and has been deemed a Municipal-Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.
Doranbachi is said to have started when the townspeople dedicated fireworks to the shrine, hoping for abundant crops and peace. The tradition was later taken over and professionally improved upon by the artillery coach of the Kurume domain.
Just as angry bees (“doranbachi”) fly out all at once when their hive is attacked, fireworks fly in every direction at the present day displays. The display starts after 8pm and packs a double whammy with the deafening bursts and raining sparks of its fireworks!