The scene of the barge fire during the fireworks display the previous night, around 9 a.m. on the 5th at Yokohama Port (provided by Yokohama Coast Guard)

During the fireworks display at the “Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2025” event held at Yokohama Port on the 4th, a barge caught fire. On the 5th, the Yokohama Coast Guard announced that they had extinguished the flames by spraying water onto the barge. According to the festival’s executive committee, a male employee (53) of the fireworks company responsible for the display was transported to the hospital due to heatstroke and is believed to have minor injuries.

The Coast Guard stated that on the 4th, they were cautious about secondary hazards, such as remaining fireworks igniting and scattering, and began firefighting efforts around 7:25 a.m. on the 5th once the flames had subsided. Water was sprayed until approximately 7:55 a.m., and the fire was confirmed to be fully extinguished by 11:10 a.m.

The scene of the barge fire during the fireworks display the previous night, around 9 a.m. on the 5th at Yokohama Port (provided by Yokohama Coast Guard)

There were a total of eight barges, with the burning barge measuring 50 meters in length and 18 meters in width. Five employees on board jumped into the sea to escape and were rescued by the Coast Guard’s vessel, with one transported to the hospital for heatstroke. A nearby barge (24 meters long, 9 meters wide) was also damaged by the fire, but no crew members were aboard. Nineteen others on other barges were also rescued.

The Coast Guard had prohibited navigation and docking near the event site, which was extended due to the fire but lifted on the 5th. According to the prefectural police, the executive committee initially reported that “fireworks misfired, causing the barge to catch fire, and the launch mechanism became uncontrollable.” The barge was towed to Daikoku Pier (Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama City), where the Coast Guard and police are investigating the cause.

According to Yokohama City officials, the fireworks were launched in sync with music, with timing controlled by computer programming. Although the launch was halted approximately one minute after the fire started, the burning barge did not stop.

The festival was organized by an executive committee consisting of companies and universities in Yokohama. It began with the aim of promoting the appeal of “International City Yokohama” and was in its sixth year this time.

The fireworks display started around 7:30 p.m. on the 4th, with the barge fire occurring around 7:50 p.m., leading to the event’s cancellation. The executive committee estimated around 120,000 attendees. On the same day, the committee issued a statement apologizing for the incident and promising a thorough investigation into the cause.

Yokohama Port

Yokohama Port, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is one of the country’s largest and most historically significant ports. Opened to foreign trade in 1859 after the end of Japan’s isolationist policy, it quickly became a gateway for Western influence and modernization. Today, it is a vibrant hub featuring attractions like the Yokohama Chinatown, Minato Mirai district, and the iconic Osanbashi Pier.

Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2025

The **Minato Mirai Smart Festival 2025** is an innovative technology and culture event held in Yokohama’s futuristic Minato Mirai district. Showcasing cutting-edge advancements in AI, robotics, and sustainability, the festival highlights Yokohama’s role as a smart city while featuring interactive exhibits, performances, and global collaborations. Originating from the city’s long-standing fusion of tradition and innovation, the festival continues to attract tech enthusiasts and tourists worldwide.

Yokohama Coast Guard

The Yokohama Coast Guard is a key maritime security force operating in Yokohama, Japan’s busy port, which has been a vital international trading hub since the late 19th century. Established to ensure safety, prevent smuggling, and manage maritime emergencies, it plays a crucial role in protecting one of Japan’s most important harbors. Its history is tied to Yokohama’s development as a major port after Japan opened to foreign trade in 1859.

Daikoku Pier

Daikoku Pier is a well-known fishing and leisure spot located in Yokohama, Japan. Originally part of the Port of Yokohama’s industrial expansion, it became famous for its scenic views of Tokyo Bay and as a popular location for night fishing. Today, it attracts both locals and tourists for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning waterfront scenery.

Tsurumi Ward

Tsurumi Ward is a district in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, known for its industrial and residential areas. Historically, it developed as a key transportation hub with the opening of Tsurumi Station in 1872 and became an industrial center in the early 20th century. The ward is also home to cultural sites like the Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park and the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium.

Yokohama City

Yokohama City, located south of Tokyo, is Japan’s second-largest city and a major port with a rich international history. It grew rapidly after the port opened to foreign trade in 1859, becoming a key hub for cultural exchange and modernization. Today, Yokohama is known for its vibrant waterfront, historic Western-style buildings in the Yamate district, and landmarks like the iconic Yokohama Landmark Tower.

International City Yokohama

International City Yokohama is a modern urban development in Yokohama, Japan, established in the late 20th century as part of the city’s efforts to promote international business and cultural exchange. Located in the Minato Mirai district, it features skyscrapers, corporate offices, and landmarks like the Yokohama Landmark Tower, one of Japan’s tallest buildings. The area reflects Yokohama’s historical role as a major port city and its contemporary focus on globalization and innovation.

executive committee

The term *”Executive Committee”* typically refers to a group of high-ranking officials within an organization or government responsible for making key decisions and implementing policies. Historically, such committees have played central roles in governance, such as the *Executive Committee of the Soviet Union* (1917–1991), which acted as the main administrative body of the USSR. Today, executive committees exist in corporations, non-profits, and governments worldwide, serving as leadership hubs for strategic planning and operational oversight.