"Tezutsu Hanabi" is a traditional folk event representative of the Higashi Mikawa region, and it is said to have originated when Tokugawa Ieyasu launched fireworks at the beginning of the 17th century after unifying the nation. In Mashiko Town as well, in an effort to bring new excitement to the Mashiko Gion Festival, local volunteers formed the Shimotsuke Tezutsu Association and learned the techniques in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, the home of tezutsu fireworks, and have been performing them since 2005 (Heisei 17). On the day of the event, both the "Tezutsu Hanabi," which is held with both hands, and the smaller "One-handed Tezutsu Hanabi" are launched. The "Tezutsu Hanabi" is a tube 20 cm in diameter and 80 cm long filled with gunpowder. Upon ignition, accompanied by brave shouts, the firework is lifted vertically, spewing flames skyward, with sparks reaching up to about 8 meters. The passionate spirit of the people who launch them shines through in the "Tezutsu Hanabi," making it a festival of flames befitting a town of pottery. This year, for the first time, paid seating will be available. For more details, please check the official Instagram of Shimotsuke Tezutsu Association "@shimotsuketedutsu".