Image from last year’s event.
– Promoting the “Peaceful Use of Drones” to Support Safe Event Operations Alongside the Spirit of Nagaoka Fireworks –
Redcliff Concludes Official Partnership Agreement with Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation Advocating the “Peaceful Use of Drones” to Support Safe Event Operations Alongside the Spirit of Nagaoka Fireworks
TOKYO, July 14, 2026 — Redcliff Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Komei Sasaki; hereinafter “Redcliff”), a leading drone show planning and operating company in Japan, officially entered into a “Nagaoka Fireworks Official Partnership Agreement” with the Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation (Location: Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture; Chairman: Shinji Takami) on July 14, 2026.
This partnership is founded on Redcliff’s deep resonance with the core principles long passed down by the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival: remembrance, reconstruction, and prayers for peace. Through this collaboration, Redcliff aims to leverage advanced drone technology to contribute to the safe operation and smooth execution of the historic festival.
Marking the first festival since the signing of the official partnership, Redcliff will fly a fleet of 500 drones during the final segments of the 2026 Nagaoka Fireworks Festival on Sunday, August 2, and Monday, August 3, following up on last year’s performance.
Building upon the crowd control and safety management measures initiated in 2025, Redcliff will fulfill its responsibilities as an official partner to support safe and orderly audience exit guidance while preserving the deep emotion and lingering magic of the fireworks.
Continuing Initiatives from Previous Years as an Official Partner
In 2025, Redcliff implemented drone technology at the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival to assist with post-event audience exit guidance. For the 2026 festival, Redcliff will continue these proven safety measures in its expanded capacity as an official partner.
Far beyond a single-year measure, this partnership agreement elevates past initiatives into a sustainable, long-term collaboration—built around the traditional values passed down by the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival and Redcliff’s steadfast commitment to the “Peaceful Use of Drones.”
Nagaoka’s “Prayers for Peace” Meets Redcliff’s Vision for the “Peaceful Use of Drones”
The Nagaoka Festival traces its origins back to the “Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival” held in 1946 to rebuild the city following the devastating air raid on August 1, 1945. The iconic fireworks display was revived in 1947, and ever since, the Nagaoka Fireworks have carried forward deep-rooted values: remembrance, reconstruction, and prayers for peace.
Guided by a mission to use drones for peaceful purposes, Redcliff designs and operates drone shows both in Japan and internationally to deliver inspiring experiences, bring communities together, and create new social value through regional revitalization.
This official partnership was made possible by the natural alignment between the heritage of Nagaoka Fireworks and Redcliff’s dedication to the “Peaceful Use of Drones.” Through drone flights over Nagaoka, both entities will give concrete shape to these shared values and project them to the world.
Preserving the Magic of Fireworks While Guiding Audiences Safely
Image from last year’s event.
As part of its concrete initiatives as an official partner, Redcliff leverages drone technology to harmonize crowd management and safety measures with the deep emotion and lingering magic of the fireworks.
At major fireworks festivals across Japan, the simultaneous exit of large crowds presents a critical challenge in preventing overcrowding and crush incidents. However, conventional direct voice announcements and megaphones can easily disrupt the lingering emotional atmosphere created by the fireworks display.
Beginning at the 2025 Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, Redcliff introduced drone-assisted exit guidance to harmonize two seemingly conflicting priorities: uncompromising safety and an unforgettable emotional experience.
This year, a fleet of 500 drones will once again illuminate the night sky with glowing messages such as “Thank You,” “Aiming to Be the World’s Most Mannerly Fireworks Festival,” and “Please Keep Moving Forward.” These light displays express heartfelt gratitude to attendees while seamlessly encouraging cooperation for safe and smooth audience dispersal.
Redcliff’s Ongoing Commitment to the “Peaceful Use of Drones”
Redcliff has a proven track record of utilizing drone technology for peaceful, constructive purposes.
In 2023, Redcliff produced a special drone light show for “#HIROSHIMA MIRAI BATON,” a peace event held in Hiroshima City. Furthermore, on August 6, 2025, marking the 80th atomic bomb anniversary, Redcliff illuminated the night sky over Hiroshima in an event organized by the “Atomic Bomb 80th Anniversary Aioi-dori City Development Executive Committee.” The performance served as a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives in the atomic bombing and conveyed an enduring message of universal peace.
The initiative at the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival represents a direct continuation of this philosophy, putting the principles of the “Peaceful Use of Drones” into concrete action.
Comment from Hideyuki Sakurai, Managing Director of the Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation
“Since last year’s festival, Redcliff’s drones have served as a massive sky billboard—illuminating messages of gratitude for those who support the Nagaoka Fireworks, alongside guidance for audience dispersal.
While post-event crowds naturally surge, visual announcements via drones proved remarkably effective in easing crowd density through staggered exits. In contrast to the traditional fireworks of sound and light, the subtle, quiet messages formed by drones create a refined atmosphere that feels almost like a sacred space for prayer.
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival welcomes many guests with physical disabilities. Looking ahead, if an unforeseen situation were to occur, we believe this technology could also enable us to deliver direct and effective visual guidance to hearing-impaired visitors as well.”
Comment from Komei Sasaki, CEO of Redcliff Inc.
“Redcliff is deeply honored to have concluded an Official Partnership Agreement with the Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation.
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is not only one of Japan’s most iconic celebrations, but also a deeply symbolic event that has carried forward the paramount values of remembrance, reconstruction, and prayers for peace. As a company that creates light in the night sky, we hold deep respect for this profound legacy and feel a strong resonance with its mission.
Our role as an official partner is to bridge the lingering magic of the fireworks with a safe and seamless journey home for all attendees. Through light messages painted by our drones, we aim to support crowd management and safety operations, ensuring an environment where everyone can experience the festival with complete peace of mind.
We firmly believe that drones possess the power to unite people by illuminating messages of hope, gratitude, and peace across the night sky. As an official partner, we remain dedicated to carrying forward the heritage of Nagaoka Fireworks while actively projecting the possibilities and social value of the ‘Peaceful Use of Drones’ to the world.”
Event Overview
Event Name: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (Nagaoka Matsuri Grand Fireworks Show)
Dates & Time: Sunday, August 2 & Monday, August 3, 2026 | 7:20 PM – 9:25 PM (both days)
Venue: Shinano Riverbed, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture
Organizer: Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation
Drone Operations: Redcliff Inc.
Please Note:
- Drone operations may be canceled or partially modified in the event of adverse weather conditions or other safety considerations.
- Drone performances are scheduled to take place during the final segment of the event on both days.
