Never ending pursuit of beautiful sparklers!
In Japan, fireworks are a seasonal symbol of summer. Japanese sparklers with their beautiful yet quiet sparks are a representation of the fleeting Japanese beauty. Kimiko Saito is a craftsperson who has pursued the art of making sparklers since she was 18. She began making them in her father’s fireworks factory, and has been researching and producing sparklers for more than 30 years.
The sparklers Saito makes emit large rings of flames. Each ring is about 30 cm in diameter. Her sparklers give off a large and bold, yet sensitive pattern of light. They have a beauty unlike any other. Her sparklers are so popular, that there is a waiting list of orders from all over Japan.
Each sparkler is made by hand
A feature of the sparklers made by Saito that makes them so beautiful, is that the paper handle is nice and straight. Nakata tried rolling the paper, but it was difficult for him. Saito encouraged him with words of praise, but it actually took her one year to be able to twist the paper properly.
Saito’s customers not only enjoy the sparklers themselves, but also send them as summer gifts. Some foreign companies have even begun ordering them as gift items. It would certainly be a surprising gift, and one that will communicate the artistic beauty of Japan.