Photo/Illutration A display of fireworks presented July 4 by Team Omagari at the International Fireworks Competition in Montreal (Provided by Hibikiya Omagari Fireworks Co.)

DAISEN, Akita Prefecture--Team Omagari, comprising four pyrotechnic companies based in this northern Japan city, won the bronze trophy at the International Fireworks Competition, billed as one of the world’s top fireworks contests.

The 38th installment was held in Montreal between June 27 and Aug. 1, attracting pyrotechnicians also from Italy, Austria, Mexico, France and Canada.

France won the gold trophy, while Canada scored the silver trophy.

The Japanese team was also given a special prize for displaying sensitivity to the environment.

Team Omagari consists of Hibikiya Omagari Fireworks Co., Wabiya Inc., Komatsu Fireworks Co. and Kitanihon Hanabi Kogyo Co.

“Judges said that our fireworks were of high quality, but they also pointed out that our presentation was not polished enough,” said Kentaro Saito, 44, president of Hibikiya Omagari Fireworks who attended the closing ceremony in the Canadian city.

Team Omagari launched 4,600 fireworks on July 4 under the title of “The Greatest Hanabi Show,” with “hanabi” being a Japanese word for fireworks.

The team will display the prize-winning show at the All-Japan National Fireworks Competition here on Aug. 31 to set off 2,000 shells in about five minutes in a rapid-fire manner.

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