What is the budget scale for a large-scale fireworks display (such as the Sumida River Fireworks Festival), and where does the funding come from?

Okay, no problem! Let me break down the budget and funding sources for a large-scale fireworks festival like the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in a way that's easy to understand.

The "Money-Burning" Guide to a Major Fireworks Festival: Unveiling the Sumida River Fireworks Budget

When it comes to a top-tier event like the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, which attracts nearly a million spectators annually, the budget is no small sum. Simply put, the total budget for a festival of this scale typically ranges between 200 to 300 million yen (roughly equivalent to 10 to 15 million RMB).

You might wonder, "Isn't it just setting off some fireworks? How can it be so expensive?" Actually, the fireworks themselves only account for part of the cost. There are many other significant expenses!

Where Does the Money Go? (Budget Breakdown)

Think of this huge sum as a big cake, sliced into several pieces:

1. The Fireworks Themselves: The Biggest Slice (Approx. 40%-50%)

This is the core expense. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival typically launches around 20,000 fireworks shells. These aren't your average New Year's firecrackers; they are meticulously designed and crafted artworks by professional pyrotechnicians.

Firework Shell Costs: Larger sizes, more complex designs (like smiley faces, cartoon characters), and rarer colors drive up the price significantly.
Firing Technology & Labor: Requires specialized teams to set up and launch the fireworks from barges on the river, involving technical fees and labor costs. It's like hiring a top chef for a state banquet – the skill itself is valuable.

2. Safety & Security: The Massive Hidden Cost (Approx. 30%-40%)

This is crucial for ensuring the safe return of nearly a million people and represents a huge "hidden cost".

Police & Security: Requires mobilizing large numbers of police officers and hiring professional private security firms to maintain order, manage crowds, and prevent stampedes. Imagine the logistics: setting up barriers, cordons, and deploying patrols across a venue holding hundreds of thousands.
Traffic Control: Surrounding roads undergo extended closures and traffic control during the event, demanding significant manpower and resources.
Medical & Fire Services: Multiple temporary first-aid stations must be set up, with ambulances and fire trucks on standby nearby, just in case.

3. Venue & Operations: Keeping the Show Running (Approx. 10%-15%)

Venue Use & Permits: Even though it's a public space, hosting such a large event requires obtaining various government permits and paying associated fees.
Equipment Rental: Includes barges for launching fireworks, facilities for the command center and VIP seating, numerous portable toilets, trash bins, etc.
Cleanup: After the event, the massive amount of litter left behind requires professional cleaning services to restore the city by the next day.
Staff: Beyond security, many staff are needed for event planning, on-site execution, and coordination.
Insurance: An event of this scale necessitates high-value public liability insurance to cover potential incidents.

4. Promotion & Marketing: Getting the Word Out (Approx. 5%)

Creating posters, brochures, maintaining the official website, and advertising on TV or in newspapers also incur costs.

Where Does the Money Come From? (Funding Sources)

Such a large sum of money doesn't just appear out of thin air. Funding comes from a mix of sources:

1. Corporate Sponsorship: The Undisputed Leader

This is the primary funding source. Many major companies compete to sponsor this national-level event because it offers prime brand exposure.

Title Sponsors: Such as banks, real estate companies, large department stores. Their logos get the most prominent placement on all promotional materials. The Asahi Beer headquarters building is famously located right next to the Sumida River Fireworks venue, and they are a perennial major sponsor.
General Sponsors: Other companies also contribute at various levels, receiving promotional benefits commensurate with their sponsorship amount.

2. Government Funding: Supporting Public Events

The local ward governments (the Sumida River Fireworks is primarily co-hosted by Sumida Ward and Taito Ward) provide a portion of the funding through subsidies. Since the festival significantly boosts local tourism, spending, and enhances the city's image, the government is happy to support it financially.

3. Support Funds & Donations: Community Contribution

Nearby shopping districts, small businesses, neighborhood associations, and even individuals also donate. After all, a successful event directly benefits them (e.g., restaurants and convenience stores see booming business). This reflects the community's sense of participation.

4. Paid Seating: Premium Views at a Price

While the vast majority watch for free from the streets, organizers also set up paid seating or sponsor hospitality areas in locations with the best views. Tickets for these premium spots are expensive, and the revenue helps subsidize the budget. It's like a concert – there are good and bad seats, and you pay extra for VIP spots.

To Sum It Up

A major fireworks festival like the Sumida River event is essentially a large-scale collaborative project between businesses, government, and the community. It's far more than just setting off fireworks; behind the scenes lies meticulous budget planning, a massive security apparatus, and diversified fundraising.

So, the next time you marvel at the dazzling fireworks, consider the complex "money game" and the immense effort of countless people behind it – doesn't that make it even more fascinating?