Shosanshakudama over Nagaoka

Niigata, Nagaoka — a 650-metre chrysanthemum over the Shinano River

A shosanshakudama — a "three-shaku" shell — opening over the Shinano River in Nagaoka, Niigata. Roughly 90cm across and 300kg in weight, it climbs beyond 600 metres before blooming some 650 metres wide. Far too vast for any frame, its golden rays fill every corner of the picture while countless trails of fire hang down like rain. Below, two paper lanterns glow red and white, silhouettes of upturned faces wait in the dark, and pale smoke drifts near the water. The largest, most prayerful moment of a Nagaoka summer.

These fireworks were shot on a Soviet-era HELIOS-44-2 58mm F2 lens. Pointed straight into a violent light, it holds together and lets the golden rays fill the frame.

• Location: Niigata, Nagaoka — a 650-metre chrysanthemum over the Shinano River
• Subject: Landscape / Season: Summer
• Print sizes (6): 6-Cut — 8 × 10 in (20.3 × 25.4 cm) / 6-Cut Wide — 8 × 12 in (20.3 × 30.5 cm) / A4 — 8.3 × 11.7 in (21.0 × 29.7 cm) / 4-Cut — 10 × 12 in (25.4 × 30.5 cm) / 4-Cut Wide — 10 × 14.4 in (25.4 × 36.5 cm) / A3 equivalent — 12 × 16.5 in (30.5 × 42.0 cm)
• Price: $15–$40 depending on size
• Digital download edition available

Guide to this location: Nagaoka Fireworks — Prayers Opening over the Shinano River

More from this location

• Crimson Night, Nagaoka Fireworks

Buy the Shosanshakudama over Nagaoka print — choose a size

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