What are the specific criteria judges use to evaluate fireworks in competitions at many fireworks festivals?

Ah, this question hits the nail on the head! Many people watch fireworks just for the spectacle, for that "wow" factor, but the intricacies of a fireworks competition run deep. It's more like an art exhibition unfolding in the night sky. Judges aren't just looking for the loudest bang or the brightest flash; they have a highly refined scoring system.

Think of it like scoring gymnastics or diving: there are technical scores and artistic scores. Let me break it down for you in detail. Next time you watch a fireworks festival, you'll be able to impress your friends!

Core Judging Criteria: The "Life" of a Single Firework

For a single firework (especially the meticulously crafted "warimono" fireworks pursued for perfection in Japan), judges examine its entire "life," from ascent to disappearance. Key points include:

1. Opening & Shape (玉の座り - Tama no Suwari)

Simply put: How perfectly round is the firework?
This is the most fundamental and crucial point. An ideal firework should burst into a perfectly round sphere in the sky, as if drawn with a compass. If it bursts into an oval, flattened, or misshapen form, points are deducted. This tests the uniformity of the explosive charge and the precision of the craftsmanship. Imagine a perfect dandelion puff suddenly "popping" into existence in the air – that's the feeling.

2. Bowl (盆 - Bon)

Simply put: The size and fullness of the burst.
"Bon" refers to the maximum diameter the firework achieves after bursting. Judges assess whether the sphere is sufficiently large, full, and reaches its intended size. If a large-scale "shakudama" firework bursts weakly and fails to expand fully, its score won't be high.

3. Shoulder (肩 - Kata)

Simply put: How uniformly do the light points ("stars") fly?
The small light points radiating outwards after the burst are called "stars" in Japanese. The "Kata" criterion judges whether all the "stars" travel the same distance from the center point before beginning to change or fade. If some fly farther than others, the firework appears fuzzy and rough, like a ball covered in stray hairs – unacceptable.

4. Extinction (消え口 - Kieguchi)

Simply put: How cleanly does it disappear?
This is particularly interesting and marks a huge difference between masterful and ordinary fireworks. In top-tier fireworks, all the light points (stars) should vanish simultaneously in a single "whoosh", disappearing without a trace, leaving a moment of silence in the night sky. If the points fade out sporadically, one after another, lingering messily, it's considered "kieguchi ga warui" (poor extinction). This instantaneous silence is actually considered a high form of aesthetics.

5. Color & Transformation (色彩と変化 - Shikisai to Henka)

Simply put: Are the colors true? Is the transformation smooth?
Color: Judges assess if the colors are vibrant and pure. Red should be true red, blue should be deep blue, not muddy or mixed-looking hues.
Transformation: Many fireworks feature color changes. For example, starting as a red peony, then "pop," all the star tips turn green. Judges evaluate whether this transformation is instantaneous and uniform, and if the resulting colors are beautiful.

Creativity & Artistry

Beyond the "technical scores," there are also "artistic scores."

Creativity: Are there any novel elements? Like the common smiley faces, hearts, Saturn rings, or even cartoon character shapes. Clarity of these shapes and the ingenuity of the concept are plus points.
Naming & Artistic Conception: Each competition firework has its own name, like "Soaring Silver Dragon" or "Eight-Petaled Core Chrysanthemum Tip." Judges evaluate whether the firework's effect matches the imagery and mood evoked by its name. It's like a themed essay – did it stay on topic?

Overall Program Choreography (Starmine)

For continuous, music-synchronized displays (Starmine), the judging criteria become more macro:

Rhythm & Pacing: Is the overall pace fast or slow, soothing or exhilarating? Is the arrangement of climaxes and lulls appropriate? It can't just be "bang after bang" non-stop; that causes fatigue. A good fireworks show is like a symphony, with an introduction, development, climax, and finale.
Color Palette: Is the overall color scheme harmonious? Is it the serenity of cool tones or the passion of warm tones? Are the color transitions natural?
Spatial Design: Are bursts high altitude or low? Wide-spanning or concentrated? The use of the entire night sky as a canvas – with bursts at varying heights and positions, creating a sense of depth and spatial arrangement – is also crucial.
Synchronization with Music: If music is used, does the timing, rhythm, and emotional expression of the fireworks perfectly match the music? Is the timing precise? Are there impactful fireworks effects during musical climaxes? These are key judging points.

So you see, behind a fireworks competition lies the immense dedication and wisdom of the pyrotechnicians (hanabishi). It's not just chemistry and physics; it's an art form pursuing the ultimate beauty in a fleeting moment.

Next time you watch fireworks, try appreciating them from these angles. You'll discover that the world of fireworks is far more profound and fascinating than you imagined!