If you thought fireworks were just loud pops and pretty lights, Okinawa said, “Hold my Orion.” On September 20, 2025, Ginowan Seaside Park Tropical Beach will become ground zero for one of the most emotional firework events of the year: Okinawa Kanasa Fireworks supported by 7-Eleven. And yes, it’s all set to the music of Okinawa’s forever queen, Namie Amuro.
Who is Namie Amuro?
If you’re not deep into Japanese pop culture, here’s the crash course. Namie Amuro is basically the Beyoncé of Japan. She started her career in the early 1990s and quickly became the face of J-Pop, dominating charts for decades. Known as the “Queen of Japanese Pop,” she sold millions of records, shaped fashion trends, and influenced entire generations with her music and style.
For Okinawa, she’s even more than a superstar—she’s a hometown hero. Born and raised in Naha, she showed the world that someone from this small island could reach the absolute top of the entertainment world. Her success became a source of pride for Okinawans, and even after her retirement in 2018, her legacy still resonates. That’s why events like the Kanasa Fireworks are so meaningful—they celebrate both her music and the island she came from.
Where and When
📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
🎆 Fireworks show (Paid area): Gates open 17:00 / Show starts 20:00
🌴 Free area: Opens 13:00 / Ends around 21:00
📍 Location: Ginowan Seaside Park Tropical Beach, Ginowan City | Google Pin
Rain or shine, the show goes on. Only extreme weather can stop it, and there’s no backup date. So, either bring an umbrella or start practicing your “I love fireworks but also love being drenched” face.
Why It’s Special
This isn’t your average fireworks festival. The whole thing started with Namie Amuro’s wish to leave something behind for her hometown. The original WE ♥ NAMIE HANABI SHOW ended in 2023, five years after her retirement. But in 2024, it rose again with a new name: Okinawa Kanasa Fireworks.
This year, expect fireworks and lasers synced perfectly with Amuro’s hits. Think of it as a stadium concert, but instead of glow sticks, you get actual explosions in the sky. Goosebumps are guaranteed.
Oki Social Official Gift Shop
Established in 2021 in the heart of Kadena Air Base, Oki Social Store serves the community and all who love Okinawa. Our Okinawa-inspired souvenir shop features art and gifts designed and created by talented local artists right here on the island.
More Than Fireworks
🍿 Special Film Screening
Relive the legendary WE ♥ NAMIE HANABI SHOW through exclusive footage at Ginowan City Gymnasium. There are three showtimes (13:30, 15:00, and 17:00), but seats are limited, and no, you can’t record it for your “Namie forever” TikTok channel.
🥁 Kanasa Eisa Music Festival
From 13:00 to 21:00 at the multipurpose plaza, traditional eisa drumming, live music, and plenty of food stalls will keep the vibe alive. It’s basically an all-day pre-party before the fireworks finale.
Tickets
- Fireworks viewing + film screening: ¥3,850
- Fireworks viewing only: ¥3,300
- Preschool kids: Free for fireworks (but no entry to the screening)
Tickets are first-come, first-served. If you snooze, you’ll be the person sitting outside the venue listening to distant booms while pretending it’s the same.
Final Thought
The Okinawa Kanasa Fireworks isn’t just an event; it’s a love letter to Namie Amuro and Okinawa itself. If you’re around, this is one of those “just go” kind of things.
Happiness in Okinawa Is…
A heart warming book that illustrates 365 happy moments about living on Okinawa. Now on sale on Amazon and in store.
Disclaimer
⚠️Disclaimer: Our passion for supporting local businesses drives us to share information about events in the Okinawa area. Please note that Oki Social is not responsible for hosting this event. It’s important to be aware that the event’s host reserves the right to make changes or even cancel the event without prior notice. Some photos and videos may come from various sources on the internet, whether official or unofficial. It is possible that some photos and videos may have been taken from the same event in previous occurrences.
Are you navigating the wild world of Social Media?
Fantastic! Glide on over and give us a follow on Facebook and Instagram. It’s like having a little sunshine in your digital life! And for the cherry on top, join our Okinawa Bucket List Facebook group. It’s your go-to spot for all the coolest, must-do activities in Okinawa. It’s like having a front-row seat to the best show in town, all from the comfort of your screen.
