What exactly do "Tamaya" and "Kagiya" mean when shouted excitedly during viewing?

Hello! I'm happy to answer this question for you. There's actually a really interesting historical story behind it.

"Tamaya"! "Kagiya"! – This isn't just random shouting!

Simply put, "Tamaya" and "Kagiya" were the trade names of the two most famous pyrotechnic companies (firework makers) during the Edo period.

Hearing people shout these names while watching fireworks is essentially the same as shouting your idol's name at a concert or cheering for your favorite team at a sports game. It's a way to praise and applaud the incredible skill of the firework artisans!

What's the specific story behind this?

This takes us back to Tokyo during the Edo period (when it was still called "Edo").

The Founding Master: "Kagiya"
- "Kagiya" was a long-established, prestigious pyrotechnic company at the time, with a rich history and superb craftsmanship. They were considered the authority in the fireworks world. Their founder was named "Yahei". Because his hometown was "Keya-cho" (Key Town), he named his business "Kagiya" (Key Shop).
The Rising Star: "Tamaya"
- Later, a highly skilled artisan named "Seishichi" emerged from the Kagiya household. After mastering his craft, he started his own business. Because he received the character "玉" (tama, meaning "ball" or "jewel") from the head of Kagiya, he named his company "Tamaya" (Jewel Shop).
- This broke the monopoly Kagiya had enjoyed.

The "Rivalry" of Edo's Two Firework Giants

From then on, Edo's most famous "Ryogoku Kawabiraki" fireworks display (the predecessor of the current "Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival") became the stage for Kagiya and Tamaya to compete.

They would each occupy a boat on the Sumida River, upstream and downstream, taking turns launching their most impressive creations.
The spectators on the riverbanks acted as the judges. If they thought a particularly beautiful firework was launched by Kagiya, everyone would shout in unison: "Kagiya~!"
If the next firework by Tamaya was even more spectacular and stunning, the cheers would change to: "Tamaya~!"

It's said that Tamaya's fireworks were innovative and brilliantly colorful, gaining such popularity that they briefly surpassed the veteran Kagiya, leading to especially loud shouts of "Tamaya~!".

Tamaya's Tragic End

This brings up an interesting point: why do people still shout the name of a company that disappeared centuries ago? Especially "Tamaya", whose story has a dramatic ending.

In 1843, Tamaya accidentally caused a fire during a display. In Edo, where buildings were primarily wooden, fire was a catastrophic event. The shogunate consequently ordered Tamaya not only to close its shop but also banished the entire family from Edo.

Thus, the rising star Tamaya vanished from the stage of history after just one generation, like a fleeting bloom.

To summarize, what does shouting these names mean today?

Shouting "Kagiya": Pays homage to the centuries-old, still-enduring master of fireworks.
Shouting "Tamaya": Carries a touch of nostalgia and regret. It praises that tragic genius who shone as brightly as a shooting star, leaving a deep impression despite his brief time.

So, next time you're watching fireworks in Japan and see a particularly beautiful burst light up the night sky, why not join the crowd? Shout "Tamaya~!" or "Kagiya~!" with feeling! It will instantly immerse you in the moment and let you experience a deeper layer of cultural enjoyment.