Whale Fireworks

Whale Fireworks

Client: Tsutsui Tokimasa Fireworks co.,Ltd
Design Company: Nakaniwa Design Office / TETUSIN DESIGN
Creative Director: Hidemi Nakaniwa
Art Director / Designer: Takayuki Senzaki
illustrator: Sayaka Hada
Country: Japan

"Whale fireworks is one among the series of animal fireworks made by Tsutsui Tokimasa Fireworks Factory (Miyama City of Fukuoka Prefecture), known as one of the remaining few factories making senko hanabi (線香花火, sparkling fireworks, or literally incense stick fireworks). Based on the concept of traditional Japanese folk toys, it captures the form and movement of animals, and is deformed to an extreme to bring out the feel of a traditional Japanese toy. 
The child on the back of the whale celebrates the growth of a child, and symbolises good luck. Ancient toys were also derived from Shinto rituals, and were said to bring happiness as a lucky charm. The senko hanabi made then also had an illustration of a child."