Key Facts
• August 4, 7:50 PM: Fire breaks out on two barges at Yokohama Port.
• Event: “Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2025” fireworks show.
• 8 barges were used; 2 caught fire during the fireworks display.
• 5 pyrotechnicians jumped into the sea; 1 hospitalized, others rescued.
• No injuries reported among spectators; no crew on burning barges.
• Planned finale: “Sky Symphony in Yokohama” with 20,000 fireworks canceled.
• Post-cancellation: Remaining fireworks ignited, causing multiple explosions.
• Firefighting efforts on barges faced significant challenges.
• Weather: Winds at 3 meters/second, no significant sea swells.
• Festival organized by local businesses and universities, marking its 6th year.
• Organizers issued an apology and pledged to investigate the cause.
Summary
A fire broke out on two barges during the “Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2025” fireworks event at Yokohama Port on August 4, leading to the cancellation of the show. Five pyrotechnicians aboard the first barge jumped into the sea, with one hospitalized and the rest rescued. No injuries were reported among spectators, and no crew were present on the burning barges. The planned finale, featuring 20,000 fireworks, was canceled, but residual fireworks ignited post-cancellation, causing further explosions and complicating firefighting efforts. Weather conditions were stable, with light winds and no sea swells. The festival, organized by local businesses and universities to promote Yokohama’s international appeal, was in its sixth year. Organizers apologized for the incident and committed to investigating its cause.
