The Sumida River Fireworks Festival in central Tokyo utilized intensive security measures on July 25 to manage crowds of nearly 1 million people [1, 2].
These measures are critical as organizers face a dual challenge of extreme weather and increasing operational costs. Many other Japanese festivals have been forced to cancel due to the rising expense of professional security and the risk of crowd-related accidents during heatwaves.
On the day of the event, the maximum temperature in central Tokyo reached 37.1 °C [3]. The heat increased the risk of medical emergencies among the spectators, who gathered at the river's first launch site. To maintain order and prevent stampedes, security personnel implemented a one-way traffic system starting at 6 p.m. [4].
Takuto Iwano, a security staff member with Kokusai Renpo Keibi Hosho, directed the flow of pedestrians to ensure safety. "As you can see, it becomes one-way from 18:00. We ask for your cooperation," Iwano said [5].
Attendance figures for the event varied slightly by report, with some estimates placing the crowd at approximately 1 million [1], while other data indicated roughly 920,000 visitors [2]. Despite the slight difference in numbers, the scale of the gathering presented a significant logistical hurdle for the security teams.
Iwano noted that the current scale of the operation was unprecedented. "Because this scale is a first, I am a bit bewildered. I will do my best to ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves safely and with peace of mind," Iwano said [6].
The event remains one of Japan's most historic fireworks traditions. However, the reliance on strict crowd-control protocols highlights the growing difficulty of hosting mass-gathering events in urban centers during the peak of summer.
“"I will do my best to ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves safely and with peace of mind," Iwano said.”
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival serves as a bellwether for the sustainability of Japan's traditional mass events. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme heat and the cost of professional security rises, the financial and logistical burden on organizers may lead to a broader trend of event downsizing or cancellation across the country.
