Akiko Amano, the first female head of a pyrotechnics family stretching back 31/2 centuries, is determined to overcome the decline in the nation's pyrotechnics industry and bring the magic of highly artistic, traditional fireworks to today's youth.
Amano, 30, recently traveled from Tokyo to the shores of the Kamanashi River in the Kofu basin in Yamanashi Prefecture to view a trial fireworks show prior to a large pyrotechnic display scheduled for summer.
"For fireworks experts, spring is a very busy time. This is an important period for us to prepare for the fireworks season," said Amano, who ascended to the head of the Kagiya pyrotechnic family in a name-taking ceremony in January.