Photo= "Biwako Dai-Hanabi Taikai" portrays seasonal scenes with approximately 10,000 fireworks (August 8, Yanagasaki, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture; view from Biwako Otsukan)

Illuminating the summer night sky, the "2013 Biwako Dai-Hanabi Taikai," or fireworks display at Lake Biwa, was held on the evening of August 8 in the vicinity of Otsu Port, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. In commemoration of its 30th anniversary, there were extra-large-scale "2-shaku dama," or 24-inch shells, and the theme "Shikimeguri," or four seasons tour. About 10,000 fireworks were launched one after another, charming the approximately 350,000 visitors, according to the organizer's announcement.

Although there was heavy rain in the city in the evening, the exhibition started on schedule at 7:30 p.m. From spring flowers, such as cherry blossoms, to the wing-flapping of waterfowl in midwinter, seasonal scenes were depicted against the night sky in a variety of fireworks.

When the enormous 2-shaku dama's fireworks, with a diameter of roughly 500 meters, colored the night sky, even more enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted from the exhibition site.