Thousands of people flocked to watch grasslands burn in Japan

The event starts after 5:30 p.m. Fire-carrying arrows are shot into the dry grass to destroy harmful insects and promote growth. About 100,000 m2 of grassland in Kushimoto town, Wakayama Prefecture, burned brightly against the sky.

The firing ceremony was performed by members of a local high school’s archery club. Firefighters and organizers are on duty throughout to ensure safety. After about an hour, the entire lawn burned down, making crackling sounds as it turned into ash.

According to the Kushimoto Tourism Association, this year’s event attracted about 3,500 residents and tourists. Many spectators watched and took photos as the fire flickered in the night.

A woman in her 70s said this was the first time she witnessed it directly and felt “really moved”. Another male tourist said that the scene made him and his son unable to take their eyes off.

The fire festival at Kushimoto is a traditional ceremony that takes place in winter, to welcome spring and regenerate vegetation. Burning dry grass is a long-standing practice of local people, to eliminate pests and create conditions for young shoots to grow as the weather warms. After about two months, new grass sprouts will sprout, greening the newly burned area.

According to local documents, this ritual was later organized into a community festival, both preserving traditional farming practices and becoming a cultural and tourist highlight of Kushimoto.

Besides the grass burning ritual, people also organize activities to introduce local cuisine and products, keeping tourists staying longer.